Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Defining a Community Hub Through Biophilic Design

Author:
Lorena Becker
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation Defining a Community Hub Through Biophilic Design

Project in-detail

With a façade of charred wooden shingles and a design that integrates natural ventilation and biophilic elements, the structure serves as a multifunctional community hub committed to promoting environmental harmony and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance fire resistance and aesthetics.
02
A bent A-frame structure maximizes spatial efficiency while creating unique interior volumes.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while reducing carbon footprint.
04
Natural ventilation strategies are integrated to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
05
Biophilic design elements connect users with the surrounding landscape and promote well-being.
The architectural project in question exemplifies a thoughtful synthesis of function, context, and design, producing a structure that not only meets practical needs but also resonates with its surroundings. This contemporary building stands as a testament to modern architectural principles, emphasizing minimalism and efficiency while remaining sensitive to the cultural and geographical landscape in which it is situated.

Functionally, the project serves as a multi-purpose facility, accommodating various community activities and engagement. The design prioritizes accessibility and flexibility, allowing for diverse uses ranging from social gatherings, educational programs, to recreational activities. The layout is meticulously crafted to promote interaction among users while ensuring that different zones maintain a coherent flow and integration.

A key feature of the project is its spatial configuration, which is designed to encourage movement and exploration. The open floor plan allows for seamless transitions between different areas, creating a vibrant atmosphere suited for community events. Large windows punctuate the façade, ensuring ample natural light floods the interior spaces, which fosters a sense of warmth and connectivity to the outside environment. The emphasis on transparency not only reinforces the link between indoor and outdoor realms but also symbolizes openness and inclusivity, core tenets of the project’s mission.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this architectural endeavor. The choice of durable materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and longevity. Concrete serves as the primary structural foundation, providing strength and stability while allowing for a modern aesthetic. Glass is strategically used to enhance visibility and integration with the landscape, while also facilitating natural ventilation and energy efficiency. Wood accents throughout the interior add a tactile warmth, drawing on natural elements to create a welcoming atmosphere. The careful selection of materials not only aligns with contemporary design trends but also fosters a sense of harmony with the environment.

The project’s design incorporates unique approaches that address both aesthetic considerations and functional requirements. For example, the incorporation of green roofs and wall gardens introduces biophilic design principles, promoting ecological awareness and reducing the urban heat island effect. These elements not only beautify the structure but also contribute to biodiversity and improved air quality, aligning with sustainable architectural practices. The design also features innovative shading devices that enhance energy efficiency, demonstrating a proactive approach toward reducing the building's carbon footprint.

Moreover, the integration of technology within the architectural framework is noteworthy. Smart building systems are employed to monitor energy usage and enhance user comfort, illustrating how modern technologies can coexist with architectural beauty. This integration ensures that the building is not only architecturally pleasing but also highly functional and responsive to the needs of its occupants.

In summary, this architectural project stands as a model of contemporary design that is both functional and aesthetically compelling. Its thoughtful approach to materiality, spatial organization, and sustainability showcases the best practices in modern architecture. The project embodies a vision that prioritizes community engagement and environmental responsibility, making it a vital addition to the local context. For those interested in exploring this project further, reviewing architectural plans, sections, and design details will provide deeper insights into its sophisticated architectural ideas and innovative designs.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy