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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façade Create a Dynamic Learning Environment for Tattoo Artistry

Authors:
CHIN JUNG LIN, RONG RONG CHANG, SNOW CHEN
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façade Create a Dynamic Learning Environment for Tattoo Artistry

Project in-detail

A glass façade harmonizes with charred wooden shingles, creating a transparent yet private space that fosters learning and engagement in the art of tattooing.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central staircase acts as a sculptural element while enhancing vertical connectivity between floors.
02
The integration of charred wooden shingles creates a distinct aesthetic while promoting fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and reduce construction waste.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for expansive interior spaces while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
05
Large glass expanses facilitate natural light and visual connectivity with the surrounding urban environment.

## Overview
Located in Melbourne, Australia, the Melbourne Tattoo Academy aims to reshape the understanding and appreciation of tattoo culture within an urban setting. The design addresses the duality between public expression and professional practice, creating an educational space that encourages dialogue and learning. Key architectural strategies reflect this complexity, combining visibility with areas of personal reflection to enhance the cultural significance of tattoo artistry.

### Spatial Configuration and Interaction
The building features a dynamic architectural form characterized by a blend of curvilinear and angular geometries, mirroring the intricacies of tattoo design. The first and second floors host varied functions, including workshops, a café, and presentation spaces, fostering efficient circulation and interaction among users. A central staircase serves as a focal point, guiding visitors through the academy while promoting social engagement. This sculptural element is designed not only for function but also as a statement of artistic expression.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette has been carefully curated to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the building. Glass is utilized extensively to create a sense of transparency and openness, allowing natural light to imbue the interior, while wood elements add warmth and comfort, resonating with the tactile nature of tattooing. Concrete and metal provide structural integrity and a contemporary architectural language. Sustainable design practices are integrated through the use of natural materials and energy-efficient systems, contributing to environmental stewardship. The surrounding landscape incorporates greenery that integrates with urban hardscapes, enhancing the overall learning environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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