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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Elevate Sustainable Community Reading Spaces

Authors:
Frances grace Lai, Chad Seah
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Elevate Sustainable Community Reading Spaces

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and large glass facades, this design creates an inviting and adaptable community reading space that fosters engagement and promotes literacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and space efficiency.
04
Adapts modular configurations to accommodate various community activities and gatherings.
05
Promotes a seamless indoor-outdoor connection through extensive glazing and landscaping.
The Tsundoku project represents a contemporary architectural approach to public reading spaces, emphasizing community engagement and the promotion of literacy through accessible design. Inspired by a Japanese term that describes the act of accumulating books without reading them, this project seeks to challenge traditional notions of libraries by creating dynamic, modular environments that serve as communal hubs for diverse populations.

The design emphasizes flexibility in both layout and function, allowing for a variety of configurations to accommodate different group sizes and activities. The project incorporates sustainable materials such as wood, glass, and metal, ensuring a natural aesthetic while contributing to durability. This focus on modularity facilitates easy assembly and reconfiguration, enabling the architectural design to adapt to various urban locations and community needs.

Innovative Community Integration

A key aspect of the Tsundoku project is its community-centric approach. It encourages social interactions through versatile spaces that can host group activities, discussions, and reading sessions. Outdoor areas allow for an expanded footprint, promoting engagement with the surrounding environment and fostering a sense of belonging among users.

Distinctively, the project integrates cultural elements by leveraging the meaning of its name, which emphasizes the significance of shared literary experiences. This context invites users to reflect on the relationship between culture and reading, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the space. Furthermore, the incorporation of technology, while subtle, supports contemporary reading practices and aligns with the needs of modern users.

Functional Design Features

The architectural design embraces a holistic perspective on reading and community interaction. The modular design creates adaptable spaces, ensuring that the environment remains relevant to the users. By prioritizing user engagement in the design process, the project accounts for cultural diversity and varying community requirements.

Noteworthy design details include large windows that optimize natural light, enhancing the reading experience and fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of sustainable materials reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, further strengthening the project’s appeal.

For those interested in deepening their understanding of the Tsundoku project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide insight into the thoughtful deliberations behind this community-focused initiative. Exploring these architectural ideas and design methodologies reveals how the Tsundoku project can serve as a model for future public reading spaces.
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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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