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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Concrete Unite to Transform Bunkers into Community Hubs

Authors:
Joyce Tao Lin, Ayrton James Laucks
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Concrete Unite to Transform Bunkers into Community Hubs

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and prefabricated concrete, the design repurposes former bunkers into multifunctional community spaces that foster social interaction and resilience in urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and construction efficiency.
03
Features a modular design allowing for versatile use of former military bunkers.
04
Integrates a bent A-frame that enhances structural integrity and creates dynamic interior spaces.
05
Includes a blast curtain system for safety while maintaining visual openness.

## Overview
Located in a post-conflict urban environment, the project addresses the challenges of resilience and community integration through a strategic repurposing of military bunkers. Designed to transition from protective shelters during times of conflict to vibrant community spaces in peacetime, the initiative emphasizes adaptive reuse, aiming to contribute positively to the urban fabric and foster social cohesion within a transformed landscape.

## Bunker Repurposing
The spatial arrangement incorporates bunkers throughout the site, allowing for a dual function—serving as secure structures in conflict and as public engagement venues in peaceful times. Each bunker features configurations that promote flexibility, transforming previously rigid installations into multifunctional areas that support shopping, dining, and social interactions, thereby aiding community recovery.

## Materiality and Public Integration
The design employs a strategic selection of materials that enhance both functionality and aesthetic engagement, including prefabricated concrete for durability, a blast curtain system for safety and camouflage, and warm wood finishes for inviting interiors. The integration of glass panels maximizes natural light and creates a sense of openness. Surrounding the bunkers, urban parks and community facilities reinforce social engagement, with playgrounds, sports areas, and performance centers designed to promote wellbeing and foster community ties. The overall spatial organization encourages connectivity and active engagement among residents, facilitating a sense of belonging within a harmonious urban context.

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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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