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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Elevate Community Engagement Spaces

Authors:
Majka Mikulska, Edwin Larkens, Jovita Laurukėnaitė
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Elevate Community Engagement Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a biophilic green roof, this community hub fosters interaction and sustainability while seamlessly integrating with its urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Integrates a biophilic green roof that promotes biodiversity and mitigates heat.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance and sustainability.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that creates expansive interior spaces without compromising structural integrity.
05
Enhances community engagement through multifunctional gathering areas seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric.
The architectural project under review represents a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context, reflecting the needs and aspirations of its environment. Located in a setting that harmonizes nature and urban life, the design effectively showcases how contemporary architecture can respond to community necessities while preserving ecological balance. This project serves not only as a physical structure but also as a platform for social interaction and cultural engagement, embodying the principles of sustainability and modern design.

At the heart of this architectural design is a commitment to creating spaces that prioritize user experience and environmental sensitivity. The building's layout is meticulously crafted to enhance functionality, with clearly defined areas for various activities. The architects have paid close attention to circulation and accessibility, ensuring that the flow between spaces is intuitive and welcoming. This thoughtful arrangement fosters interaction among users while also providing areas for privacy and reflection, creating a dynamic interplay between communal and personal zones.

The materials selected for the project play a pivotal role in its overall aesthetic and performance. A combination of concrete, glass, and sustainable wood establishes a dialogue between the structure and its surroundings, enhancing both durability and visual appeal. The use of low-emissivity glass allows for abundant natural light while significantly improving energy efficiency. Meanwhile, the wooden elements bring warmth and texture, softening the starkness often associated with more industrial materials. Each choice in material was made to reflect not only the building's purpose but also its contextual relationship with the landscape and climate, ensuring it adapts seamlessly to its environment.

Unique design approaches within the project include innovative structural solutions that provide both strength and elegance. Open spaces are supported by strategically placed columns that create expansive, unobstructed interiors while maintaining a sense of intimacy. This clever engineering allows for flexibility in the use of these spaces, accommodating a variety of events and functions. The façade, characterized by its rhythmic patterns and varying depths, not only enhances visual interest but also contributes to passive solar control, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling.

Furthermore, the incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens introduces an ecological dimension to the project, facilitating biodiversity and improving air quality. This emphasis on nature aligns with the growing trend of biophilic design, which seeks to connect occupants with the natural world. The landscape surrounding the building has also been thoughtfully designed, using native plant species to minimize water usage and maintenance while providing a habitat for local wildlife.

In addition to its immediate surroundings, the project acknowledges its role within the broader urban fabric. By incorporating public spaces and communal facilities, it invites the community to engage with the architecture, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among local residents. The design thoughtfully integrates pathways and gathering areas that encourage spontaneous interactions, reinforcing the idea that architecture can cultivate community connection.

As one examines the architectural details, from the choice of finishes to the innovative energy systems employed, it becomes clear that each element serves a purpose, contributing to the overarching goals of sustainability and user-centric design. Attention to detail in the construction not only enhances the building's functionality but also adds layers of meaning to the overall experience of the space.

To truly appreciate the depth of this architectural endeavor, engaging with the visual representations such as architectural plans, sections, and perspectives is essential. These documents provide a richer understanding of the design intentions and the various layers of thought that culminated in this project. For those interested in the nuanced aspects of modern architecture, exploring the architectural designs and ideas presented in this project will offer valuable insights into contemporary approaches to design and community building.
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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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