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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Vittoria Parisi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and sustainable practices, serving as a dynamic community hub for diverse activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint while providing structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
04
Includes vertical gardens integrated into the facade to promote biodiversity and urban greening.
05
Designed for adaptability, allowing flexible spaces to cater to evolving community needs.
The architectural project at hand represents a thoughtful integration of design, functionality, and contextual responsiveness. Located in a vibrant urban setting, the project emerges as a distinguished structure that not only fulfills its intended purpose but also enriches the surrounding environment. The design reflects a careful consideration of the site’s geographical nuances, capturing local climate conditions, cultural narratives, and urban dynamics.

At its core, the project serves a multifaceted function that can accommodate various activities, making it a hub for community engagement. The architectural design facilitates seamless interaction among users while allowing for diverse programmatic elements to coexist harmoniously. This adaptability is inherent in the spatial organization, where open areas are interspersed with private spaces, providing both communal and individual experiences. As visitors traverse the building, they encounter a series of interconnected spaces that promote movement and accessibility, embracing the principles of universal design.

One of the most notable aspects of this project is its materiality. The architects selected a palette of materials that not only contribute to the aesthetic but also serve practical purposes in terms of sustainability and maintenance. A combination of reinforced concrete, glass, and steel is prominently featured, allowing for a striking visual contrast that highlights the modernist ethos. The use of large glass panels invites natural light to penetrate the interior, fostering a connection to the outdoors while enhancing energy efficiency. The rich textures of the concrete create warmth, grounding the structure within its urban context. Additionally, metal accents provide structural integrity while contributing to the building's sleek, contemporary profile.

Unique design approaches are evident in the way the architecture responds to both its environmental and social contexts. The incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens not only improves the building's ecological footprint but also introduces elements of nature into the urban fabric. These strategies serve to cool the building naturally and enhance biodiversity in the area, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. Furthermore, the design considers future adaptability, allowing spaces to be reconfigured as community needs evolve over time, which is a crucial aspect of modern architecture.

Another key element in the design is the thoughtful integration of public and private spaces. The architects have created inviting public interfaces, such as plazas and green spaces, that encourage community interaction. These areas become extensions of the indoor environments, promoting an active lifestyle and a sense of belonging among users. The facade’s design is not merely an aesthetic choice but a functional one; it incorporates shading devices that reduce solar gain while enhancing visual interest. Such details reflect a thorough understanding of environmental factors, illustrating how architecture can address practical challenges while remaining visually compelling.

Overall, the architectural project stands as a testament to the synergy between form and function, embracing innovative ideas that reinforce its role within the community. The balance achieved through the use of diverse materials, environmental strategies, and an adaptive design philosophy makes this project a case study in contemporary architecture. For those interested in exploring the intricate facets of this endeavor further, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, a deeper engagement with the project presentation is encouraged. Here, one can fully appreciate how such architectural ideas are realized, reflecting not only the vision of the designers but also the aspirations of the community it serves.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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