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Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Glass Facades Defining a Multifunctional Urban Hub

Authors:
Laura Ichim, Ionuț Eduard Militaru, Bianca Alexandra Gavrilă, Călin Laurențiu Burghiu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Glass Facades Defining a Multifunctional Urban Hub
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Combining charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a vibrant community hub that fosters interaction and innovation in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity and visual interest.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels promotes sustainability and efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinct aesthetic and fire-resistant properties.
04
The layout allows for flexible space configurations to accommodate various activities.
05
An integrated courtyard fosters natural light and encourages community engagement.

## Overview
The project is located in an urban setting dedicated to fostering community engagement and artistic expression. Its design integrates contemporary architectural principles aimed at creating a hub for social interaction and creativity. The configuration emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic coherence, allowing diverse activities to occur within a cohesive environment.

## Spatial Configuration
The design encourages connectivity through a strategic arrangement of spaces that promote interaction among users. A longitudinal courtyard serves as a central feature, linking various sections of the structure while facilitating informal gatherings and events. This approach enhances transparency and accessibility, making the space inviting for a broad audience. The layout also includes flexible spatial configurations, with movable walls enabling adaptation for different functions like workshops, performances, and meetings.

## Material Expression
The material palette is carefully selected to reflect both durability and aesthetic appeal. Brick is prominently used in the façade, providing warmth and texture. Concrete elements throughout the structure underscore a raw, industrial character, while expansive areas of glass allow natural light to permeate the interiors. This not only enhances the atmosphere but also creates visual connections within the space. Additionally, wood features in interior elements, offering contrast and warmth against the harder materials, contributing to a balanced sensory experience. The exposure of structural components, such as steel beams and wooden rafters, further enriches the design by highlighting both functionality and artistic expression.

## Integration with Nature
Biophilic design principles are evident throughout the project, with landscaping and strategic placements of trees enhancing the connection to nature. These elements contribute to creating a nurturing environment that supports well-being, reinforcing the relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings. This thoughtful integration within an urban context allows users to experience nature, promoting a sense of tranquility and community connectivity.

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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.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
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