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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Enhance Healing Spaces in a Community-Focused Design

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Enhance Healing Spaces in a Community-Focused Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, this community-centered facility fosters healing through biophilic design while providing versatile spaces for rehabilitation and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes therapeutic gardens integrated into the layout for a calming environment.
05
Prioritizes biophilic elements to strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Overview

Located in a serene environment, the project is designed to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its visitors. It integrates modern architectural practices with natural elements, creating spaces conducive to rehabilitation, education, and community engagement. The design ethos is inspired by the metaphor of a butterfly, signifying renewal and transformation.

### Spatial Strategy and Site Planning

The layout maximizes the advantages of the site’s natural features and orientation, emphasizing accessibility and interaction. Communal spaces, including a main chapel, recreational areas, gardens, and therapy zones, are interconnected via pathways that encourage movement and foster connections with the surrounding landscape. The ground floor is designed to accommodate essential functions such as reception and communal areas, while the first floor includes private therapy spaces. The design prioritizes natural light throughout, enhancing comfort and user experience.

### Materiality and Architectural Detailing

Material selection plays a crucial role in articulating the project's mission. Wood is employed for its warmth, fostering a tranquil environment, while glass is utilized to maximize daylight and provide expansive views. Stone is specifically featured in the chapel, contributing a sense of permanence and grounding. The façade combines modern interpretations of traditional forms with an emphasis on transparency, facilitating connections to the exterior. Textured wooden elements in the façade introduce a tactile quality, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow.

### Integration of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design principles are central to creating a healing environment. The incorporation of thematic butterfly gardens offers therapeutic landscapes that promote relaxation. Water features are thoughtfully integrated to provide soothing acoustic and visual experiences, further enhancing the overall atmosphere. The design aims to elevate emotional well-being through open, light-filled spaces and encourages community engagement through thoughtfully designed shared areas. Sustainable practices are embedded in the architectural approach, utilizing natural materials and considering environmental impact throughout the design process.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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