Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Limestone Enhance Community Interaction in Sustainable Design

Authors:
Camila Ramirez Vargas, Rachel Sy Kim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Limestone Enhance Community Interaction in Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and local limestone, the design creates a harmonious blend of sustainable materials and community-focused spaces, fostering interaction and engagement in a multifunctional environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both durability and a unique aesthetic while enhancing fire resistance.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes structural efficiency and encourages natural light penetration throughout the space.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to improved thermal performance and reduce carbon footprint.
04
A community garden integrated into the landscape promotes biodiversity and encourages social interaction among users.
05
Local limestone features create a connection to regional architecture and provide a strong sense of place.
The architectural project at hand embodies a thoughtful exploration of form and function, merging seamlessly with its geographical context to create a space that is as practical as it is aesthetically engaging. Designed with a clear purpose, the project serves various community needs while also promoting sustainable practices, making it a notable contribution to contemporary architecture.

At its core, this project represents a commitment to creating environments that foster connectivity among users, while being sensitive to the surrounding natural landscape. The design thoughtfully integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for an abundance of natural light to permeate throughout. Large expanses of glass not only provide visual access to the outside but also help to reduce energy consumption by maximizing daylight usage during operating hours. This melding of the interior and exterior emphasizes the importance of nature in daily life, encouraging occupants to engage with their environment in new and meaningful ways.

The overall function of the project extends beyond mere utility; it is a multifaceted space designed to host a variety of activities, catering to diverse community needs. This flexibility is achieved through a series of adaptable spaces, each capable of being transformed for different purposes. Whether hosting community events, educational workshops, or quiet retreats for contemplation, the architecture facilitates interaction while allowing for privacy where necessary. The thoughtful layout promotes movement and flow, ensuring that users can navigate through the space with ease.

Key components of the design include multifunctional areas that can accommodate gatherings, workshops, and exhibitions. These spaces are enhanced by strategically placed communal areas that foster social interaction. Additionally, the integration of outdoor terraces and gardens serves not only to expand living areas but also to reinforce the project's connection to nature. Outdoor spaces are designed to enhance the user experience, offering quiet nooks for relaxation alongside dynamic areas for group activities.

Materiality plays a significant role in this architectural design. The project utilizes a harmonious palette that includes reinforced concrete for structural stability, natural wood such as cedar or oak for warmth and tactile experience, and glass for transparency and light. These materials have been selected not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their environmental performance. The use of local stone, such as limestone, further grounds the building in its context, providing a visual and tangible link to the regional identity. This choice reflects an understanding of sustainable design principles, where the focus shifts to using materials that are both environmentally responsible and culturally resonant.

A unique aspect of the project is its approach to sustainability. The design incorporates passive solar strategies, allowing it to naturally regulate temperature and light, thus minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, the inclusion of green roofs and living walls not only promotes biodiversity but also aids in managing stormwater. These elements contribute positively to the local ecology, further establishing the architecture as a responsible community asset.

The design also places a strong emphasis on user engagement. Through interactive elements and art installations that reflect the local culture, the architecture invites users to connect with the space on a deeper level. This engagement is further enhanced by incorporating open areas designed specifically for workshops and collaborative activities, reinforcing the project's role as a community hub.

In summary, the architectural project serves as an inspiring example of how design can create functional, adaptable, and sustainable spaces that resonate with their environment and communities. The integration of innovative materials, user-focused spaces, and commitment to ecological principles reflect a modern approach to architecture. Those interested in exploring more about this project are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans and sections that detail the comprehensive design ideas at work, offering valuable insights into how architecture can effectively respond to human and environmental needs. The project stands as a testament to the thoughtful consideration of space, materiality, and community, making it a valuable case study for contemporary architectural practice.
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 16544 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