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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Create a Flexible Community Space

Author:
Mohamed Mahmoud Yehia Mohamed Abdelhady Omar
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Create a Flexible Community Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop the structure, allowing for abundant natural light to filter through expansive glass facades, creating a versatile community space designed to foster social interaction and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that contribute to its structural integrity while reducing carbon footprint.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and promotes natural light.
04
Designed with a flexible layout to accommodate various community functions and events.
05
Integrates passive solar principles to optimize energy efficiency throughout the year.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of functionality, aesthetics, and context, reflecting contemporary design principles balanced with environmental considerations. Situated in an urban context, this project responds to the surrounding landscape and community needs, creating spaces that foster social interaction and promote well-being. The designers have employed a holistic approach that emphasizes sustainability while ensuring the structure serves its intended purpose effectively.

The project operates primarily as a multifunctional community center, offering a variety of spaces for different activities including meetings, workshops, and public gatherings. The architecture cleverly combines open areas and segmented spaces, allowing for flexibility and adaptability depending on the specific use. This design fosters a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and engagement among users. The layout is carefully orchestrated to facilitate natural flow, ensuring that visitors can navigate through the center with ease, promoting accessibility.

A significant aspect of the design is its use of materials, which are chosen for both aesthetic appeal and performance characteristics. The primary materials include reinforced concrete, glass, and sustainably sourced wood. Reinforced concrete provides the necessary structural integrity, allowing for expansive open spaces and an array of functional layouts. Glass is extensively used to enhance transparency, bringing natural light into the interiors while maintaining visual connections with the exterior environment. This feature not only improves the ambiance but also establishes a strong relationship between the building and its surroundings. The use of sustainably sourced wood provides warmth and texture, striking a balance against the cooler finishes of concrete and glass. This materiality is not only practical but serves as a visual and tactile reminder of the local natural environment.

The architectural design showcases unique approaches that reflect an understanding of modern needs and environmental stewardship. The concept incorporates sustainability principles, such as passive solar design, which maximizes daylight and minimizes energy consumption. The orientation of the building is carefully considered to optimize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and contributing to energy efficiency. Additionally, the landscape design integrates green roofs and native plantings, enhancing biodiversity while providing insulation and absorbing rainwater, thus minimizing urban heat and improving the microclimate of the area.

In terms of details, attention to craftsmanship improves the overall experience of the project. Elements such as custom millwork, along with thoughtful landscaping, create inviting outdoor spaces that extend the usability of the center. This is complemented by an extensive use of glazing, which blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, inviting nature into the daily activities of the center. Furthermore, the incorporation of various seating arrangements encourages informal gatherings and relaxed interactions.

The project exemplifies the potential of architecture to address specific community needs while being rooted in sustainable practices. The careful selection of materials, innovative use of space, and integration with the natural landscape collectively enhance the project's identity. By focusing on inclusive design, the project not only serves its primary function but also nurtures a vibrant community atmosphere.

For those interested in exploring the intricacies of the design further, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and specific architectural ideas behind this project will provide valuable insights. The details embedded within these documents reveal the thought processes and considerations that influenced the final form of the project. Engaging with the comprehensive presentation of this project will deepen appreciation for its architectural narrative and design intentions.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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