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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Circular Urban Community Hub

Authors:
Jin A Choi, Kim Seungheon
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Circular Urban Community Hub

Project in-detail

Circular pathways weave through a landscape defined by charred wooden shingles and abundant natural light, creating an engaging community hub that fosters social interaction and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular pathways enhance pedestrian flow and accessibility throughout the site.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while contributing to the aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural integrity and sustainability in construction.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glass facades and openings.
05
A multifaceted design integrates diverse public spaces for community engagement.

### Overview

The analysis outlines a contemporary design project located in an urban environment, focusing on the integration of green spaces and multifunctional public areas to promote interaction between built forms and nature. The intent is to foster vibrant community hubs that enhance quality of life through accessibility, social engagement, and environmental considerations.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The site is organized around a circular layout that facilitates smooth movement among residential, commercial, and recreational areas. This design promotes connectivity via pedestrian pathways while minimizing vehicular traffic, prioritizing walkability. An intentional sequence of spaces encourages exploration, with areas designed for varied social interactions—from intimate gatherings to larger community events. The presence of dedicated parks and open spaces is critical for recreational activities, providing vital zones for social interaction and conducive environments for contemplation.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Proposed materials include concrete for structural elements, wood for seating and facade features, stone for pathways, and glass to enhance transparency between interior and exterior environments. Native planting materials are chosen to support local biodiversity and ecological health. The project's focus on environmental sensitivity is further highlighted through sustainable practices such as water management and heat-reducing materials, which work together to lessen the urban heat island effect and promote an environmentally friendly urban setting.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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