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Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Glass Walls in an Open Community Kitchen Space

Authors:
Olivia Herbert, Dillon Brandt
Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Glass Walls in an Open Community Kitchen Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles clad a spacious structure adorned with panoramic glass walls, creating a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor dining experiences that foster community engagement through culinary education and sustainable farming.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a living wall that promotes biodiversity and improves indoor air quality.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
04
Designed with expansive glass walls to create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.
05
Integrates an aquaponic system for real-time culinary education and sustainable food production.
The VogaFjos Gardens project is an architectural endeavor that seamlessly integrates culinary arts with sustainable agriculture, culminating in a space designed for education, community engagement, and environmental awareness. This project embodies a modern approach to how we interact with food, emphasizing the importance of understanding its origins while promoting healthy living. Situated within a thoughtfully curated landscape, VogaFjos Gardens serves multiple functions, including an event hall, educational kitchen, and greenhouse, all working in harmony to create a multifunctional environment.

At its core, the project represents a commitment to fostering connections—between people, between food and its sources, and between the built environment and nature. The architectural design invites visitors to engage not only in the consumption of food but also in the processes involved in growing and preparing it. This emphasis on interaction is foundational to the project's ethos, reinforcing the significance of communal experiences centered around food.

The architectural design features several key components that contribute to its overall functionality. The event hall acts as the heart of the project, with expansive windows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding gardens and landscapes. This area is designed to host gatherings, workshops, and culinary showcases, allowing for a flexible space that can adapt to various activities. Adjacent to this, the kitchen area is both a teaching space and a culinary hub, encouraging participants to explore cooking and learn about nutrition through hands-on experiences.

The greenhouse is another vital part of the VogaFjos Gardens project. It serves not only as a place for growing fresh produce but also as a living laboratory where visitors can learn about sustainable agricultural practices, including aquaponics. This integration of innovative farming techniques highlights the project's commitment to environmental stewardship and educates visitors on how food can be produced sustainably and responsibly.

One of the unique design approaches evident in VogaFjos Gardens is its focus on materiality. The project utilizes a variety of materials that enhance both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Large glass panels are prominently featured, maximizing natural light and creating a lively atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of exposed timber provides warmth and texture, while concrete elements contribute to the overall structural integrity, demonstrating an appreciation for durability. Natural stone accents add visual interest, serving as both functional elements and design features throughout the landscape.

Additionally, the project's commitment to agricultural education is exemplified by its incorporation of a living wall, which acts as a vertical garden integrated into the architecture. This feature not only enhances biodiversity but also serves to improve air quality while creating a visually striking element that engages visitors. The design of communal gathering spaces encourages social interaction, inviting individuals to come together and participate in shared experiences, further enhancing the community's connection to the project.

The thoughtful orientation of the building, alongside its use of passive solar strategies, highlights the project's sensitivity to its environment. Elements such as roof overhangs help to regulate temperature and facilitate energy efficiency, making VogaFjos Gardens not just a place for culinary exploration but also a model of sustainable design.

VogaFjos Gardens stands as an example of how architecture can serve as a conduit for education, community, and environmental responsibility. By creating a space that promotes a deeper understanding of food, togetherness, and sustainability, the project embodies meaningful architectural ideas that resonate with modern societal needs. For those interested in exploring the full scope of this architectural initiative, including architectural plans and sections, please take a moment to delve into the project presentation for a more comprehensive understanding of its design and impact.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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