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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Patricia Varela, Gustavo Marzoa, Marcelo Baldassari, Florencia Varela
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub
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Charred wooden shingles envelop a transparent glass facade, creating a dialogue between natural materials and light while serving as a multifunctional community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing fire resistance.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and energy efficiency.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
04
Landscaped outdoor areas integrate seamlessly with indoor spaces for community use.
05
Movable partitions allow for dynamic reconfiguration of multifunctional spaces.

### Project Overview
The design is situated in an area characterized by a mix of communal, educational, and cultural activities, aiming to create a space that encourages social interaction and engagement among diverse user groups. The design reflects a careful consideration of its surrounding environment, prioritizing sustainability and promoting a sense of community.

### Spatial Organization
The facility is structured over multiple levels, each dedicated to specific functions such as education, dining, and recreational activities. Key features of the design include:

- **Public Spaces**: The ground floor includes expansive public areas that serve as gathering points, enhanced by landscaped sections with greenery and seating arrangements.
- **Culinary Facilities**: A café and restaurant are strategically located to facilitate social interactions across different zones.
- **Educational Amenities**: Spaces designated for workshops and exhibitions foster creative and educational activities.
- **Conference Areas**: The inclusion of multiple conference rooms offers versatility for a range of events.
- **Library and Quiet Zones**: A combination of open and private spaces supports study and contemplation.
- **Adaptability**: Movable partitions and flexible layouts allow the building to accommodate changing needs over time.

### Material Selection
Innovative materials are employed throughout the design, both to enhance functionality and to create visual appeal:

- **Glass**: Used prominently in facades, glass allows for natural light penetration while establishing a transparent connection to the exterior.
- **Steel**: This material forms the structural framework, offering strength and enabling spacious interiors.
- **Concrete**: Serves as a foundational and core component, ensuring durability.
- **Sustainable Landscaping**: The integration of plant life not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

### Distinguishing Features
Several notable aspects enhance the project's impact within the community:

- **Sustainability Practices**: The design incorporates recyclable materials and energy-efficient systems, aiming to reduce the overall ecological footprint.
- **Community Focus**: The layout and spaces foster inclusivity, serving as platforms for various social and cultural activities.
- **Dynamic Aesthetic**: Hexagonal facade patterns generate visual interest and facilitate interaction with light and shadow, emphasizing architectural innovation.
- **Visual Connectivity**: Transparent facade sections blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, promoting engagement.

The facility embodies a commitment to functionality, creativity, and sustainability, reflecting the evolving needs of the community.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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