Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in an Urban Community Hub

Author:
Han Kuo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in an Urban Community Hub

Project in-detail

With a façade of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, the design creates a seamless blend of sustainability and urban connectivity, serving as a multifunctional community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used not only for structural integrity but also for their thermal performance benefits.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light penetration while providing a distinctive architectural silhouette.
04
Integrated green roofs support biodiversity and contribute to the building's overall sustainability.
05
Flexible interior spaces can adapt to serve various community functions throughout the day.
This architectural project exemplifies a contemporary design that focuses on harmonizing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Located in a vibrant urban setting, the design represents a thoughtful response to its context, skillfully integrating the surrounding landscape and architectural vernacular. The project serves a specific public function, catering to the needs of its inhabitants while fostering community interaction and engagement.

At its core, the architectural design reflects a commitment to sustainability, employing principles that minimize environmental impact while maximizing user comfort. The design process incorporated an extensive analysis of site conditions, which informed decisions on orientation, materiality, and spatial organization. Each element was meticulously considered to ensure that it served a purpose, thereby enhancing both the utility and beauty of the space.

Visually, the project features a blend of warm and cool materials that create a textured façade, inviting exploration and interaction. Utilizing materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, timber, and steel, the design confronts traditional notions of architectural aesthetics. The juxtaposition of these materials not only emphasizes the structural integrity but also supports the thermal performance of the building, showcasing a deep respect for the environment.

Key elements include expansive windows that frame views of the exterior landscape while flooding the interior with natural light. This intentional design choice promotes a sense of connection between the inside and outside, embodying the project's commitment to enhancing the occupants’ experience. Additionally, the strategic placement of operable windows facilitates natural ventilation, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical systems and promoting a healthier indoor environment.

The spatial layout is equally compelling, characterized by flexible spaces that can adapt to various functions. This versatility is crucial in a public building, allowing it to host different activities ranging from community gatherings to educational workshops. The open-plan design encourages flow and interaction among users, creating dynamic environments that can accommodate a variety of uses throughout the day.

Unique to this project is its incorporation of green spaces. Roof gardens and vertical landscaping elements not only beautify the structure but also contribute to biodiversity and urban greening efforts. These features promote ecological stewardship and serve as educational tools for residents, highlighting the importance of nature in urban design.

Furthermore, the project embraces technological innovations, integrating smart systems that enhance energy efficiency and user comfort. The incorporation of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, aligns with modern architectural practices that prioritize sustainability. These considerations ensure that the building will continue to perform efficiently for years to come.

Overall, this architectural project is a testament to contemporary design’s potential to foster community, respect the environment, and respond to user needs. Its thoughtful approach to materiality, spatial organization, and sustainability creates a welcoming environment that stands as a model for future developments. Readers interested in delving deeper into the specifics of this project are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and other design elements that showcase the ideas and strategies used throughout the design process. Doing so will offer further insights into how architecture can play a pivotal role in shaping our lived environment.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy