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Charred Wooden Shingles and Open Floor Plans Shaping a Community-Focused Space

Author:
Raphael Maurice Gilles Monnier
Charred Wooden Shingles and Open Floor Plans Shaping a Community-Focused Space

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and expansive open floor plans, the design creates a harmonious blend of natural materials that fosters collaboration and connectivity within a vibrant community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for dramatic interior spaces and natural lighting.
04
Integrates a green roof system to improve insulation and promote biodiversity.
05
Designed with flexible communal areas that encourage social interaction among users.
The project under review is an architectural design that emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal, navigating the delicate balance between modern trends and sustainable practices. Located in an urban environment, the design represents a thoughtful approach to integrating architecture with its surrounding context, fostering community interaction while maintaining individual privacy and a sense of place.

Central to the project is its multipurpose function, accommodating a range of activities aimed at enhancing user experience and engagement. This is achieved through a well-conceived spatial organization that accommodates both public and private areas. The design boasts open-plan spaces, which are strategically positioned to promote social interaction among inhabitants and visitors. These areas are complemented by transitional zones, such as terraces and balconies, which invite the outside in and expand the usable space beyond the building’s envelope.

The materiality of the project is another aspect that deserves attention. The architects made deliberate choices in selecting materials that not only respond to the functional requirements but also enhance the visual narrative of the design. Predominant materials featured in the construction include reinforced concrete, which establishes a robust structural framework, and large glass panels that create transparency and lightness. The use of natural timber adds warmth and texture, counterbalancing the industrial feel of concrete and maximizing the aesthetic potential of the interiors. Additionally, materials like steel are utilized for structural components and decorative features, ensuring durability while contributing to the overall modern design language.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in how the architects have embraced sustainability. The integration of green technologies, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, reflects an awareness of ecological impacts and aims to minimize the building’s footprint. The strategic placement of windows maximizes natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and creating a more energy-efficient environment. Landscaping also plays a vital role; green roofs and vertical gardens not only enhance biodiversity but also improve urban air quality, creating a healthier living space.

Another compelling feature of the design is its attention to detail. The architectural elements, including window placements, rooflines, and material junctions, are thoughtfully considered to create a cohesive visual narrative. The architects have utilized digital modeling and simulations to anticipate sunlight patterns and wind flows, ensuring that each aspect of the design is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the interaction between interior and exterior spaces has been optimized, allowing for natural ventilation and promoting a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

Throughout the development of this architectural project, the importance of community and context remained a driving force behind the design choices. By prioritizing collaborative spaces, the design fosters a sense of belonging among users. The integration of public art and local craftsmanship into the exterior facades serves to acknowledge the culture and identity of the surrounding neighborhood, making the building not merely a structure but a landmark that resonates with the locality.

In exploring this project further, readers are encouraged to delve into architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural designs to appreciate the comprehensive thought processes that underpin the work. Each element is a reflection of careful architectural ideas that collectively illustrate a vision for modern urban living rooted in sustainability and community engagement. For those interested in the nuances of contemporary architecture, a thorough review of the provided materials will yield deeper insights into the various components that make this project an interesting case study in modern design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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