Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Acoustic Experience in Community Pavilion

Author:
Rebecca Shaw
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Acoustic Experience in Community Pavilion

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a living green roof, the pavilion seamlessly integrates sound-focused spaces with the natural environment, serving as a community hub for artistic expression and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cedar wood was charred for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
The pavilion's green roof integrates local flora, supporting biodiversity.
03
Acoustic paneling is crafted to improve sound quality within communal spaces.
04
Floor-to-ceiling glazing optimizes natural light while connecting interior and exterior environments.
05
The bent A-frame design mimics natural sound waves, enhancing user experience.
The Sonus Pavilion is an architectural project located in the Lake District National Park, specifically at Cumnock Water in Cumbria, England. The design is centered around themes of sound and community interaction, combining functional spaces with a thoughtful integration into the natural landscape. This pavilion serves diverse purposes, including exhibition areas, workshops, and social spaces, all focused on enhancing visitor engagement with sound-based art and activities.

The architectural layout fosters a blend of public and private interactions. Indoor spaces are interconnected in a manner that allows fluid movement, while outdoor terraces and viewing platforms embrace the surrounding environment, thus promoting an immersive experience. The structure emphasizes transparency through extensive glazing, offering unobstructed vistas of the adjacent water and encouraging a relationship between the interior and exterior.

Unique Design Approaches

The pavilion employs acoustic design as a core principle, utilizing specific materials that enhance sound quality and promote auditory experiences. Timber elements are strategically placed within the building to optimize acoustics, providing a warm and inviting environment for visitors. The roof structure, designed to mimic sound waves, contributes both to the building's aesthetic appeal and its functional acoustic properties.

Sustainable practices are integral to the pavilion's conception. The use of native landscaping around the site not only supports local biodiversity but also contributes to sound attenuation, creating a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. Aspects of universal design are evident; accessible paths and gentle gradients ensure that all individuals, regardless of mobility, can navigate the pavilion effectively.

Architectural Elements and Materials

Materials selected for construction include glass, wood, steel, and sustainable concrete. The extensive use of glass allows for ample natural light, while wood and steel provide structural stability and aesthetic warmth. Concrete is implemented in a way that balances durability with environmental sensitivity.

The form of the pavilion stands out, characterized by multiple pitched roofs that create a dynamic silhouette against the backdrop of the natural surroundings. This design approach not only enhances the visual impact but also aligns with the project's thematic focus on sound waves. Each element, from the architectural sections to the overall structure, has been meticulously crafted to fulfill both functional and aesthetic requirements.

For a comprehensive exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and the underlying design ideas of the Sonus Pavilion, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation in detail. This analysis provides insights into the functional and aesthetic nuances that make this project a relevant contribution to contemporary architecture.
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 17,249 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