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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Finish in a Flexible Workspace Design

Author:
Ina Chun-yee Wong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Finish in a Flexible Workspace Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive natural wood elements, the design creates a flexible workspace that fosters collaboration while respecting the local cultural context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features expansive windows to maximize natural light and connect with the surrounding landscape.
04
Adopts a bent A-frame design to create dynamic interior spaces while minimizing material use.
05
Retains and reconfigures 80% of existing furniture to promote resource efficiency and reduce waste.

### Overview

The architectural design for a new office space in Downtown Honolulu, Hawaii, focuses on integrating contemporary work methods with local cultural and environmental considerations. Developed by the original firm that established the office in 1989, the proposal aims to create a versatile workspace that fosters creativity and productivity while aligning with principles of sustainability.

### Spatial Arrangement

The office is designed to function as a dynamic hub that includes collaborative spaces such as studios and labs, accommodating the increasing preference for hybrid work environments. This layout promotes flexibility, enabling employees to transition between collaborative and individual workspaces seamlessly. The design prioritizes transparency and interaction, featuring large windows and open areas that enhance natural light and provide views of the surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural identity relies on sustainable practices and the use of local materials. Natural wood finishes are employed to echo the essence of Hawaiian architecture and create a warm, inviting ambiance. The incorporation of biodegradable and recycled materials, including carpets and reclaimed resources, reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the project embeds hospitality-related elements, such as open lounges and adaptable meeting areas, fostering a sense of community within the workspace.

Sustainable design is further emphasized through energy-efficient systems and resource optimization, retaining up to 80% of existing furniture to minimize waste. Water and energy conservation initiatives will be implemented to continually assess and improve resource usage over time.

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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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