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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Community Hub

Author:
Matej Gurka
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Community Hub

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and complemented by local stone, the design fosters a strong connection to its environment while serving as a multifunctional community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof system that enhances biodiversity and promotes stormwater management.
02
Utilizes locally sourced stone, ensuring a strong connection to the regional landscape.
03
Features flexible communal spaces that adapt for various functions and activities.
04
Employs advanced passive solar design principles to optimize natural heating and cooling.
05
Integrates automated energy-efficient systems for lighting and climate control throughout the facility.
The architectural project presents a thoughtfully designed environment that underscores a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic coherence. Situated in a context that embraces both natural scenery and urban elements, this project is an embodiment of modern design practices that prioritize sustainability and community interaction. Through careful consideration of materials, spatial organization, and contextual responsiveness, the design showcases a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

At its core, the project represents an integrated approach to architecture that seeks to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants while minimizing its ecological footprint. The design caters to diverse user needs, supporting a variety of functions—from social gatherings to individual activities—within a cohesive framework. By focusing on adaptable spaces that can evolve over time, the architecture ensures long-term usability and relevance. This adaptability is crucial in accommodating changing social dynamics and technological advancements, which can significantly affect how spaces are used.

Key aspects of the design include an emphasis on natural light and ventilation, which are consistently prioritized throughout the layout. Large, strategically positioned windows not only invite daylight into the interiors but also foster a strong connection to the surrounding environment. The open-plan arrangement enhances this relationship, providing uninterrupted sightlines that create a sense of spaciousness while allowing for natural airflow. This deliberate design choice enriches the user experience, encouraging occupants to engage with both the interior and exterior settings.

Materiality plays a significant role in defining the project’s overall character. The selection of materials reflects a commitment to durability and sustainability. Reinforced concrete forms the backbone of the structure, ensuring a stable and lasting foundation. In contrast, the use of FSC-certified timber adds warmth, inviting a tactile element that counters the industrial nature of concrete. The façade, clad in a combination of local stone and aluminum, strikes a balance between contemporary aesthetics and regional identity, allowing the building to resonate with its context while maintaining a modern presence.

The landscape design further complements the architectural strategy. Native plants are utilized across outdoor spaces, promoting biodiversity and reducing maintenance demands. Green roofs and terraces not only provide additional insulation but also create pockets of greenery that enhance the urban experience. These landscape elements encourage residents to engage with nature, offering opportunities for relaxation and socialization in an outdoor setting.

One of the unique design approaches employed in this project is its focus on communal spaces that are both functional and inviting. These areas foster social interaction and collaboration, critical aspects of contemporary urban living. Gathering spaces are designed with flexible furniture arrangements, allowing users to reconfigure them according to their needs. This adaptability is essential in a community-oriented environment where diverse activities take place.

The architectural design also incorporates technology thoughtfully, integrating smart systems that enhance energy efficiency and user comfort. Automated lighting and climate control systems ensure that spaces are used efficiently and responsively, reducing environmental impact without compromising comfort. This forward-thinking approach highlights the importance of innovation in architecture, bridging traditional building practices with modern technology.

In addition to these functional components, the project embodies a thoughtful aesthetic that respects its surroundings. The interplay of textures and materials creates a visual rhythm that invites exploration. As users move through the spaces, they can appreciate the careful consideration given to scale, proportion, and material relations. The architecture conveys a sense of place, drawing inspiration from local art, culture, and landscape in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

For those interested in exploring the architectural depths of this project further, insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs unveil the intricate thought processes that inform each facet of the design. Engaging with these elements provides a more nuanced understanding of the architectural ideas at play, illustrating how thoughtful design can indeed foster a more connected community and a responsive environment. As you delve deeper into the project presentation, consider how these design philosophies may inform future architectural endeavors.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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