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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Shape a Serpentine Community Space

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Shape a Serpentine Community Space
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Employing charred wooden shingles and local stone, this community center creates a contemplative environment enhanced by a serpentine layout, serving as a versatile space for collective gatherings and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to enhance environmental integration.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a central oculus that creates dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
04
Employs a serpentine layout to guide user experience and promote meditation.
05
Includes a biodigester to support sustainable waste management practices.

The Labyrinth Community Center serves as a multifaceted architectural project designed to foster community engagement, education, and spiritual reflection. Integrating local materials and sustainable design practices, this facility reflects a deep understanding of its surroundings and the needs of its users. The primary function of the community center is to provide a versatile space that accommodates a wide range of activities, from workshops and seminars to quiet contemplation.

The architectural layout incorporates a central open area designed to host various events, allowing flexible seating arrangements to adapt to different group sizes and purposes. The design emphasizes connectivity with the natural environment through the careful placement of windows and orientation, enhancing the user experience by maximizing natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.

Spatial Organization and Unique Design Features

The unique aspect of the Labyrinth Community Center lies in its innovative approach to spatial organization, drawing on the metaphor of a labyrinth to guide users through their experience. The central feature, an oculus, enables sunlight to flood the space, crafting a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that changes throughout the day. This element is not merely aesthetic; it enhances the meditative quality of the environment.

The design incorporates a Zen Window, strategically positioned to frame specific natural vistas, encouraging users to pause and engage with the outdoor surroundings. This thoughtful integration of natural elements instills a sense of tranquility, making the center not just a place for activities but a space for introspection.

Sustainability and Material Selection

A crucial element of the project is its commitment to sustainability, evidenced by the choice of locally sourced stone and wood. The use of local materials reduces environmental impact, while the building's thermal mass enhances energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperatures. The design also includes a biodigester, emphasizing nutrient recycling and waste reduction while promoting sustainable practices within the community.

Overall, the Labyrinth Community Center represents a holistic architectural solution. Its design not only fulfills practical requirements but also creates a nurturing environment for personal development and collective interaction. For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans and sections that bring this project to life, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation, which showcases the architectural designs and innovative ideas that define this unique endeavor.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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