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Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass Define a Sustainable Community Center in an Urban Context

Authors:
Aurelio Cossar, Dante Ausili, Sofía Giancarelli, Alejandrina Langhi
Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass Define a Sustainable Community Center in an Urban Context

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and high-performance glass, the community center integrates sustainable materials and flexible spaces to foster social engagement and recreational activities in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and carbon sequestration.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Includes flexible interior spaces that can adapt to various community functions.
05
Integrates green roofing to promote biodiversity and manage stormwater effectively.

The architectural project presented is a modern community center located in an urban context. This facility serves various functions including recreational activities, educational programs, and spaces for social interaction, making it a central hub for local residents. The design prioritizes accessibility while fostering community engagement through open and adaptable spaces.

One of the project's main features is its integration with the surrounding environment. Large glass facades allow natural light to permeate the interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The design also incorporates green roofs and landscaped areas that contribute to biodiversity and help manage stormwater runoff, emphasizing sustainability.

The community center utilizes a range of materials that enhance both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Reinforced concrete forms the structural framework, providing durability. High-performance glass minimizes energy consumption through thermal insulation while allowing views of the surrounding landscape. Timber cladding adds warmth and texture, bridging the gap between natural and built environments. The careful selection of these materials reflects a commitment to sustainable building practices.

Unique Design Approaches

The project differentiates itself through its flexibility in design. Interior spaces are configured to be adaptable for various uses, whether for large community events or smaller workshops. Movable partitions allow for quick reconfiguration, catering to the evolving needs of the community. Additionally, the building is oriented to maximize solar exposure, utilizing passive solar design principles to ensure comfort throughout different seasons.

Another unique aspect is the incorporation of community feedback during the design process. Engaging with local residents ensured that the final architectural solution truly reflects the needs and desires of the community. This participatory approach not only informed the overall layout and features of the center but also fostered a sense of ownership among users.

Architectural Details and Technical Aspects

The architectural design includes various key elements that enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The main atrium serves as a focal point, featuring high ceilings that promote light and airflow, while connecting different sections of the center. The integration of outdoor gathering spaces extends the usable area beyond the building's footprint, encouraging year-round activities.

Attention to detail is evident in finishes such as bamboo flooring and recycled materials used for countertops. These selections not only contribute to the overall sustainability of the project but also create a cohesive design language that resonates with visitors. Energy-efficient systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), are implemented to further enhance operational efficiency.

The community center represents a vital investment in the social infrastructure of the area. Its design exemplifies contemporary architectural trends that prioritize sustainability, adaptability, and user-centered planning. For those interested in an in-depth understanding of this project, further exploration of architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas is encouraged to gain comprehensive insights into its unique attributes.

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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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