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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Defining Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Juan Jose Lopez Cardenas, Mateo Mendez Villamizar, Juan Diego Ramirez Rodriguez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Defining Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a structure designed for community interaction, seamlessly integrating large glass panels and green roofing to create a vibrant, sustainable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof system designed to enhance biodiversity and reduce urban heat.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for expedited construction and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Includes large glass elements that promote natural lighting and visual connectivity to the surroundings.
05
Designed with flexible spaces to accommodate diverse community activities and gatherings.
The architectural project at the center of this analysis represents a thoughtful synthesis of contemporary design ethos and local context. Situated in a vibrant urban environment, this structure demonstrates an understanding of its surroundings and offers a space that invites both functionality and community engagement. The design embodies a clear purpose, serving as a multifaceted hub that encourages social interaction while integrating seamlessly with the landscape.

This project is characterized by its innovative use of materials, which include reinforced concrete, glass, natural timber, brick, steel, and green roofing systems. Each material was selected not only for its structural and aesthetic qualities but also for its sustainability and connection to the local environment. The choice of reinforced concrete provides a robust framework, allowing for expansive open spaces that emphasize flexibility and adaptability. Large glass panels enhance the connection between the interior and exterior spaces, inviting natural light and promoting transparency—a crucial aspect of modern architecture. Natural timber is thoughtfully employed throughout, adding warmth and a tactile quality that contrasts with the sleekness of steel elements used in structural components and canopies.

The design prioritizes sustainable practices, incorporating passive solar strategies that optimize energy utilization. Features such as rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient HVAC systems underline the project's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. This approach not only aligns with contemporary architectural standards but also serves to inspire users and occupants through its responsible use of resources.

A notable aspect of the project is its emphasis on community cohesion. The spatial arrangement deliberately separates public, semi-public, and private areas, creating spaces that accommodate a range of activities and foster social interaction. Communal gardens, plazas, and lounges enhance user experience and encourage people to gather, interact, and share experiences. This prioritization of connectivity is a hallmark of the design, setting it apart from more isolated, traditional models of architecture.

The integration of landscape elements into architectural design also plays a crucial role in this project. Native plantings and landscaped pathways create a harmonious relationship between the built form and nature, contributing to biodiversity and promoting local ecological practices. The design ensures that users can engage meaningfully with their surroundings, whether through botanical exploration or informal gatherings in thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces.

Artistic touches throughout the project further enrich the environment, incorporating local culture and history into the built form. Murals and sculptural installations are positioned strategically, serving not only as aesthetic focal points but also as narratives that connect users to the community’s heritage.

The unique design approaches evident in this project highlight the architects’ dexterity in balancing a wide array of factors: functionality, sustainability, cultural relevance, and user experience. Every element contributes to an overarching narrative of a space that serves its community while remaining open and responsive to changing needs.

This project is a prime example of how thoughtful architecture can transcend mere function, establishing a dialogue between the environment, the community, and the built form. As urban areas continue to evolve, such designs offer a framework for future developments that prioritize both ecological and human-centered considerations. Readers interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that shaped this project are encouraged to explore further. Engaging with these elements will provide richer insights into the architectural philosophy and practical considerations that inform this well-conceived design.
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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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