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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Form A Sustainable Workspace Integrated With Nature

Author:
Jumana Al-sammarraie
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Form A Sustainable Workspace Integrated With Nature

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades create a seamless interaction between the interior workspace and the surrounding landscape, emphasizing sustainability while facilitating a collaborative environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design enhances structural stability while optimizing interior space.
04
Extensive glass facades maximize natural light and connect interior with the landscape.
05
Green roof systems support biodiversity and improve insulation efficiency.

### Overview and Context

Situated near the Varta River and adjacent to La Dąbrowski Forest, the Green Units project merges contemporary workspace design with sustainable principles. This location not only facilitates urban accessibility but also underscores a commitment to integrating natural elements into the workspace. The design aims to cultivate a communal atmosphere that enhances productivity and creativity among users, striving for a balance between natural and built environments.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The structure presents a fragmented form characterized by interconnected units of varying heights and orientations, symbolizing adaptability and innovation. Each workspace features an open layout with extensive glass facades that foster transparency and promote natural light penetration. This design strategy blurs the distinctions between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging a connection with the surrounding landscape. Functional areas within the complex are thoughtfully divided, incorporating co-working spaces conducive to collaboration, private offices offering privacy, and public amenities designed to facilitate informal interactions.

### Sustainable Practices and Materiality

The project incorporates a range of sustainable features, including green roofs that support insulation and stormwater management while providing recreational space. To evoke a sense of ecological responsibility, design elements reflect the water features of the nearby river. Passive ventilation techniques leverage natural airflow to enhance indoor air quality and temperature regulation. The material palette includes reinforced concrete for structural durability, extensive glass for transparency, and a metal framework that supports cantilevered sections, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional integrity. Native plantings in the landscaping reduce irrigation needs and foster local wildlife habitats, emphasizing an integrated approach to environmental stewardship.

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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

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