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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façades in a Dedicated Space for Tattoo Artistry

Authors:
Jon Lain, Vinnie Montesano
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façades in a Dedicated Space for Tattoo Artistry

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and extensive glass façades, the facility creates an immersive environment for learning and practicing tattoo artistry.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates extensive glass façades to promote visibility of the tattooing process.
03
Features wellness rooms designed to support the physical well-being of artists.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
05
Includes a dedicated figure lab for life drawing sessions to enhance artistic skills.

### Analytical Report: Melbourne Tattoo Academy Architectural Design Project

#### Overview
Located in Melbourne, Australia, the Melbourne Tattoo Academy is designed as a contemporary educational facility dedicated to the craft of tattooing. The architecture aims to shift perceptions of tattoos from stigmatized artifacts to an appreciated art form. It provides a functional space that fosters creativity, learning, and community engagement, encouraging both practitioners and the public to engage with tattoo culture constructively.

#### Spatial Organization and Function
The layout of the Academy features distinct areas that cater to various aspects of tattoo education and artistry. The ground level includes a Gallery and Café designed to promote community interaction, utilizing expansive glass façades for transparency and inclusivity. Upper floors accommodate specialized studios, classrooms, and workshops, all configured flexibly to support diverse instructional methods. Additionally, an auditorium facilitates larger gatherings and outreach events, while a dedicated Figure Lab emphasizes life drawing as a crucial component of tattoo art. Wellness spaces, including massage therapy rooms, address the physical demands associated with tattooing, contributing to the overall health of artists and students.

#### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette reflects a commitment to modern design while emphasizing tactile quality. Glass predominates the façade, maximizing natural light and creating a dialogue between the interior and surrounding environment. Steel forms the structural framework, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal, complemented by concrete for foundational strength. Timber adds warmth, echoing the artisanal nature of tattooing, while aluminum panels enhance exterior visual interest and support thermal performance. This careful selection promotes not only a contemporary image but also sustainable practices within the Academy’s operational context.

The architectural design thus embodies a narrative of acceptance and innovation, allowing the Melbourne Tattoo Academy to function as both a learning institution and an evolving platform for the art of tattooing.

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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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