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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

Project in-detail

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

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