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 Shape a Community-Centered Space

Authors:
Steven C Chitwood, Tanner ladu Wooddell, Erin Leigh Graham
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Shape a Community-Centered Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, this community-focused structure seamlessly blends sustainability with functionality to serve as an engaging hub for local interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and unique aesthetic appeal.
02
Features expansive glass facades that foster a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Integrates a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space while minimizing ecological impact.
05
Employs native plant landscaping to support local biodiversity and reduce water consumption.
The project under examination represents a nuanced exploration of contemporary architectural design, showcasing a thoughtful integration of function, spatial dynamics, and environmental responsiveness. Situated in a context that enriches its narrative, the architectural design serves as a multifaceted hub, aimed at fostering community engagement while addressing the needs of its users.

At its core, the project embodies a synthesis of form and function, where every design decision is grounded in practicality while being lofted by aesthetic ambition. The various functions accommodated in the building are carefully considered, ensuring seamless circulation and accessibility. Notably, the layout promotes an open-plan concept in its communal areas, facilitating natural flow and interaction among occupants. Private spaces, such as offices or classrooms, maintain a degree of separation, strategically positioned to maintain focus and tranquility. This interplay between communal and private realms illustrates the designers' commitment to creating a versatile yet cohesive environment.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this architectural endeavor. The choice of materials is driven by both sustainability and a desire for aesthetic harmony. A combination of reinforced concrete, sustainably sourced wood, glass, and metal cladding is employed, each selected for its specific qualities. The concrete structure provides a solid and durable base, while wooden elements introduce warmth and texture to communal spaces. Expansive glass facades are used to enhance natural lighting, promoting visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape and creating an inviting atmosphere for the inhabitants. Metal accents add a modern twist, reinforcing longevity and resilience in the exterior envelope.

An especially noteworthy element of the design is the integration of green technologies. The project incorporates photovoltaic panels and green roofs to enhance energy efficiency and encourage biodiversity. This sustainable approach aligns with broader environmental goals and reflects a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment. The landscape design complements these efforts, utilizing native plant species that require minimal irrigation and promote local wildlife.

Unique design approaches also manifest in the building’s structural organization, with cantilevers and overhangs strategically placed to provide natural shading and protection from the elements. This thoughtful manipulation of form not only contributes to the building’s visual identity but also enhances its functional performance. By considering the local climate and seasonal changes, the designers have fused aesthetics with practicality, ensuring that the structure remains comfortable year-round for its users.

Furthermore, the incorporation of public art pieces and interactive installations throughout the project invites engagement from both users and the broader community. These artistic elements break the typical boundaries of architecture, transforming the building into a dynamic canvas that evolves with seasonal events and community activities. This emphasis on aesthetics and functionality provides users with a unique relationship to the space, where art becomes a part of everyday life.

As the project represents an intersection of architectural innovation and community engagement, its impact transcends its physical presence. It serves as a significant point of connection for individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. The attention to detail in planning and execution is evident, establishing the project as an exemplar of modern architectural practices that prioritize user experience and environmental stewardship.

To truly appreciate the depth of this architectural project, further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas is encouraged. Each aspect provides insight into the sophisticated thought processes behind the design and the intricate relationships between space, materiality, and function. Understanding these elements enriches the overall narrative of the project, inviting readers to engage more deeply with the design.
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