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Charred Wooden Shingles and Hexagonal Form Create Community Library Focused on Knowledge Exchange

Authors:
Mario Clemente Rossi, Katia Carli, Veronica Insana, Eleonora Secco
Charred Wooden Shingles and Hexagonal Form Create Community Library Focused on Knowledge Exchange

Project in-detail

With a distinctive hexagonal structure clad in charred wooden shingles, the library's design fosters an environment conducive to community engagement and knowledge sharing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact and improve structural performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates community gathering spaces within a multifunctional layout.
05
Emphasizes local cultural elements through architectural motifs and landscaping.

### Overview

The modern library design project is located within a culturally rich urban context, aiming to serve as a community-centric space for knowledge dissemination and interaction. The architectural concept positions the library as a dynamic platform that fosters the exchange of ideas, moving beyond the traditional view of libraries as passive repositories of books. The design prioritizes accessibility and engagement, ensuring that users can navigate the space fluidly and interactively.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The library's layout is characterized by a central circulation area that enhances movement and connectivity among different functional spaces. The internal arrangement includes a foyer, restaurant, office, classrooms, an auditorium, and extensive library facilities, with an emphasis on multifunctionality. Notably, a distribution ramp facilitates exploration of various levels, promoting social engagement while accommodating diverse activities. The spatial strategy encourages both communal gatherings and quiet study, catering to a wide range of user needs.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The architectural form features an organic, undulating structure with a unique envelope comprised of hexagonal and circular patterns that promotes natural light penetration. Key materials include steel for structural support, a glass façade for transparency and outdoor connection, and concrete for durability. This selection not only addresses aesthetic values but also adheres to sustainability principles, maximizing energy efficiency. The integration of external green areas, including local flora, reinforces the library's ties to its natural surroundings, while design motifs reflecting local culture contribute to a strong sense of identity within the community.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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