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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Versatile Community Venue in Rural Ireland

Authors:
Dragan Acimovic, Philip Plowright
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Versatile Community Venue in Rural Ireland

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and local stone, the venue integrates natural light and acoustic design to foster community engagement through diverse musical performances and artistic workshops.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using local stone to enhance regional identity.
02
Incorporates a central outdoor plaza for community gatherings.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Designed with multiple performance spaces to accommodate varied events.
05
Features large glass panels for optimal natural lighting and acoustics.
The Irish Cult Music Venue in Leap, County Cork, is designed as a cultural and social hub dedicated to enriching the local music scene. Within the architectural framework, the project reflects regional heritage while accommodating a range of contemporary functions. This venue serves as a focal point for performances, workshops, and community events, aiming to strengthen the bonds within the local culture while providing essential facilities for both artists and audiences.

Community-Centric Functionality

The project integrates multiple performance spaces, each tailored for specific artistic expressions. It includes an outdoor stage designed to harmoniously interact with the surrounding landscape, allowing for larger gatherings and outdoor concerts. Two indoor stages are designed for more intimate performances, emphasizing audience engagement through thoughtful acoustic design. The venue also features a recording studio and multi-functional workshop spaces that enrich the community's artistic capabilities. The incorporation of a café and restaurant facilitates social interaction, serving both patrons and performers alike. Furthermore, dedicated accommodation options, such as a hostel, enhance the visitor experience by providing a place for transient musicians and art lovers.

Architectural Integration of Local Culture

What distinguishes the Irish Cult Music Venue from similar projects is its commitment to local materiality and environmental context. The architecture employs reinforced concrete for structural stability, while large glass panels promote transparency and openness, inviting natural light into the interior. The use of locally sourced stone in specific design features reflects the cultural context, promoting a sense of place. By integrating metal panels into the façade and roofing, the project maintains a balance between modern aesthetics and traditional materials.

Sustainability is an underlying principle of the design, with energy-efficient systems and strategies that leverage natural ventilation. The layout encourages pedestrian circulation through a central pathway leading to an outdoor plaza, which functions both as a gathering space and an informative entry point into the venue. The project's design not only addresses functional requirements but also amplifies community engagement, showcasing a model for the integration of architecture with cultural vibrancy.

Potential visitors and stakeholders interested in this project are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas to understand the intricacies of this thoughtful community facility in further detail.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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