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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Daylighting Enhance Sustainable Community Living Spaces

Authors:
Elsa López sanz, Carlos Utrero onsina, Marina Camacho galán
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Daylighting Enhance Sustainable Community Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and extensive glass panels, the design transforms natural light into a central element of its adaptable community living spaces while prioritizing sustainability and user interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure that maximizes spatial efficiency and height.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against weathering.
03
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels promotes rapid construction while ensuring structural integrity.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems support sustainability and reduce resource consumption.
05
Public and private spaces are thoughtfully arranged to foster community interaction and personal retreat.
The architectural project at hand presents a compelling exploration of spatial design and functionality, serving as a testament to contemporary architectural practices. This building, nestled in an urban landscape, integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while offering a unique identity that is firmly rooted in the local context. The design concept revolves around flexibility and sustainability, aimed at meeting the varying needs of its users while minimizing environmental impact.

Functionally, the project serves multiple purposes, including residential and community-focused spaces. Careful attention has been paid to the arrangement of different areas, allowing for efficient circulation and interaction among inhabitants. Public zones are strategically placed to encourage social engagement, while private sections provide a retreat for individuals and families. This balance ensures a vibrant, living environment that caters to diverse lifestyles.

The materiality of the project plays a crucial role in its aesthetic and functional qualities. The primary materials utilized include reinforced concrete, large fragments of glass, and natural timber. The concrete structure provides durability and strength, while expansive glass panels invite natural light into the interior spaces, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Timber elements are thoughtfully incorporated, adding warmth and texture that contrasts beautifully with the sleekness of the concrete and glass, establishing a harmonious relationship between the different materials used.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The use of modular design principles allows for adaptability over time, accommodating the evolving needs of the community. This modularity is paired with an emphasis on sustainable practices, showcasing green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems that align with modern environmental standards. Strategic landscaping further enhances the site, integrating nature into the built environment and providing occupants with tranquil spaces for relaxation and leisure.

Architectural details, such as the thoughtful integration of shading devices and energy-efficient systems, enhance the building’s performance while adding to its visual interest. These elements serve not only as functional components but also as aesthetic enhancements that reinforce the overall design ethos. The project embodies a commitment to creating a responsible and livable environment, where comfort and style coexist without compromise.

Examining the architectural designs, sections, and plans associated with this project reveals a deep complexity in its simplicity. The thoughtful interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces invites exploration and interaction, making the building not just a structure but a living part of the community. Each element has been meticulously crafted to reflect a coherent design narrative that prioritizes user experience and environmental stewardship.

This architectural endeavor stands out as an exemplary model of modern design, seamlessly blending innovation with practicality. The careful selection of materials, attention to detail, and incorporation of community-oriented features underscore its significance within the architectural landscape. For those interested in delving deeper into the project's intricacies, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insight into the innovative ideas that shaped this building. The interplay of these elements is a crucial aspect of the project’s appeal, offering a clear window into the future of thoughtful architectural practice.
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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
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