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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade in a Biophilic Mixed-Use Development

Authors:
Jonas Kurtscheidt, Karsten Heuser, Florian Moser
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade in a Biophilic Mixed-Use Development

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels define a mixed-use development that blends sustainability with community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing unique texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and structural integrity.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrated green spaces improve biodiversity and air quality within the urban context.
05
Smart building technologies allow customized control over environmental conditions.

The project is a contemporary architectural design that integrates functionality with an innovative aesthetic. Located in an urban environment, this design aims to respond to the specific needs of its users while addressing contextual elements, such as climate and surrounding infrastructure. The project's primary function is to serve as a mixed-use facility, accommodating both commercial and residential spaces, thereby promoting a vibrant and inclusive community atmosphere.

The architectural layout is characterized by an open floor plan that encourages fluidity and interaction among spaces. This layout is complemented by strategically placed windows that allow natural light to permeate the interior while offering views of the surroundings. The design emphasizes sustainability, evident in the choice of eco-friendly materials and the incorporation of energy-efficient systems.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes this project from others is its emphasis on modular construction techniques, which facilitate faster assembly and adaptability. The façade features a dynamic interplay of materials, including reinforced concrete, glass, and wood, creating a harmonious balance between durability and warmth. This diverse material palette not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Additionally, the integration of green spaces within the project creates a symbiotic relationship between built and natural environments. Rooftop gardens and vertical planters are strategically positioned throughout the structure, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality. The incorporation of biophilic design principles reflects a growing trend in contemporary architecture that prioritizes human well-being alongside environmental sustainability.

Architectural Elements and Details

The project includes distinct architectural elements that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. The entrance is marked by a cantilevered roof structure that provides shelter and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Interior spaces feature high ceilings and open corridors, enhancing spatial perception and circulation. The use of large glass panels not only enhances transparency but also fosters a connection with the exterior environment.

Careful attention has been paid to the interior organization, with spaces designated for communal activities, private residences, and commercial establishments. Acoustic treatments ensure privacy for residential units, while common areas are designed to facilitate social interactions. The incorporation of smart building technologies further enhances the user experience, allowing for personalized controls over lighting and climate.

Overall, this project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architectural principles, materiality, and innovative design approaches. Its ability to blend functionality with aesthetic quality, along with its commitment to sustainability, makes it a noteworthy example in the contemporary architectural landscape. For those interested in exploring the finer aspects of this design, detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs are available for review, providing deeper insights into the architectural ideas that shape this project.

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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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