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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Forming a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Osama Ahmad Osama Malkawi, Mostafa Mohamed Elsayed Fahmy Shams
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Forming a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements beautifully intertwine to create a sustainable community hub that prioritizes both interaction and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a unique bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity while creating dynamic interior spaces.
02
Charred wooden shingles were selected for their fire-resistant properties and distinct aesthetic, contributing to the building's overall character.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels were employed for sustainability and efficiency in construction, allowing for rapid assembly.
04
Large glass facades provide extensive natural light and unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a connection with nature.
05
Community feedback was integral in shaping the design, ensuring the space meets local needs and reflects cultural values.
The architectural design project under discussion showcases a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context, resulting in a structure that embodies both practical use and aesthetic appeal. Situated in a culturally rich locale, the project stands as a testament to contemporary architectural practices, reflecting an understanding of the site’s unique characteristics and community dynamics.

Through its innovative design, the project represents a commitment to sustainability and a dialogue between the built environment and the natural landscape. The building's form is carefully sculpted to harmonize with its surroundings, utilizing organic shapes and a fluid layout that promotes both interaction and movement. This design joins elements of local tradition and modern sensibility, making a statement about the relationship between heritage and contemporary life.

Functionally, the structure is designed to accommodate a variety of uses, catering to the needs of its community while also providing spaces for social interaction and engagement. Interior spaces are arranged thoughtfully to facilitate both privacy and communal gatherings. Large, open areas are balanced with more intimate nooks to create diverse environments within the overall design, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in use. The careful placement of windows and doors optimizes natural light and offers views that connect occupants visually to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the project's intent to blend indoor and outdoor experiences.

The materials chosen for this project further enhance its architectural narrative. The use of reinforced concrete provides a solid foundation, symbolizing durability and strength. Steel beams allow for expansive open areas, reducing the need for excessive structural support and enabling an airy feel within the interiors. Glass facades contribute transparency, allowing for visual connections while promoting energy efficiency. Natural wood accents add warmth and character, offering tactile experiences that enhance the human aspect of the architecture. Stone cladding not only grounds the building within its context but also reflects local geological features, marrying the constructed and natural worlds.

One of the project’s unique design approaches is the incorporation of passive design strategies, which significantly reduce its environmental impact. These strategies capitalize on the local climate, allowing natural ventilation and sunlight to regulate temperature and light levels within the building. The architects have installed green roofs where suitable, further emphasizing sustainability and contributing to local biodiversity. This alignment with environmental considerations extends the project's value beyond mere aesthetics, imbuing it with a sense of responsibility towards future generations.

Additionally, engagement with the community throughout the design process ensures that the building truly meets the needs of its users. Feedback gathered from potential occupants has been effectively integrated into the design, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the space. This aspect is especially pertinent in creating a welcoming environment that resonates with local culture and preferences, making this project not just a building but a community hub.

In examining the architectural plans, architectural designs, and architectural sections, one can appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes this project. From the layout of the spaces to the intricacies of material connections, every element has been considered to create a cohesive whole. The thoughtful arrangement of functional areas, as well as the incorporation of sustainable techniques, showcases a responsive approach to both challenges and opportunities inherent in contemporary architecture.

This architectural project serves as an example of how thoughtful design can foster community interaction, respect for the environment, and a celebration of place. To gain deeper insights into the project's architectural ideas and design methodologies, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further, examining how the interplay of form, function, and context has been harmonized within this significant architectural endeavor.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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