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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Community-Centric Mixed-Use Hub

Author:
Yibo Xu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Community-Centric Mixed-Use Hub

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and extensive glass facades create a harmonious blend of durability and transparency in a community-focused mixed-use hub designed to enhance urban living and connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Extensive use of glass facades promotes natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural performance while creating unique interior spaces.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
05
Integrated green spaces are woven throughout the development to encourage community interaction.

### Project Overview

Located in Hangzhou, China, near West Lake, the LinkNest Center is designed to serve the needs of local residents and the migrant workforce by creating an integrated office park that includes residential and entertainment facilities. The site spans 13,007.07 square meters, with a total built area of 70,500.47 square meters. The design emphasizes space maximization while fostering community interaction and supporting well-being.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Zoning

The architectural composition incorporates a mixture of high-rise and low-lying structures, facilitating visual interest and functional diversity. The massing strategy allows for fluid interaction among various zones, including offices, recreational spaces, and residences. The design achieves a clear functional separation while integrating diverse spaces such as swimming pools, exercise areas, restaurants, and communal gardens. This layout promotes engagement and a balanced work-life environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is intentional, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Reinforced concrete is utilized for its structural integrity, while glass facades maximize natural light, creating an open atmosphere. Wood and natural finishes are incorporated in communal areas to foster warmth and support biophilic design principles. Additionally, green spaces and landscaped zones are integrated throughout the site, providing ecological benefits and recreational opportunities that enhance the overall environment.

### Connectivity and Accessibility

Multiple entry points and circulation paths are strategically designed to ensure easy accessibility for residents and visitors. The layout promotes a walkable atmosphere, minimizing congestion through careful planning of pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows. This approach supports community engagement and connectivity, aligning with the broader urban context.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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