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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete Forming a Multifunctional Urban Hub

Authors:
Dilan Şenses, Selanur Demir, Pinar Soylu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete Forming a Multifunctional Urban Hub

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and recycled concrete, the design fosters community engagement through sustainable practices, serving as a multifunctional hub for education and interaction in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the exterior enhances durability and environmental performance.
02
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the interior spaces.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency while promoting sustainable material use.
04
An interactive Recycling Core educates visitors on waste management through hands-on workshops.
05
Vertical gardens incorporated throughout support local biodiversity and improve air quality.

### Project Overview
The Eco-Annex is located in an urban setting characterized by challenges such as overpopulation, waste management, and pollution. Designed as a multifunctional community hub, it focuses on sustainability by facilitating engagement, education, and innovation. This initiative aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that integrates natural elements and technology, addressing the pressing needs of urban living.

### Structural Planning and Communal Spaces
The layout integrates both existing buildings and new additions, forming an interconnected network of spaces that promotes social interaction. Multiple levels are allocated for various activities, including leisure, learning, and exhibitions, while informal gathering areas known as ‘In Between Spaces’ connect distinct sections of the facility. The project emphasizes open spaces—such as gardens, amphitheaters, and sports areas—that enhance community engagement and strengthen the relationship between urban residents and nature. Educational workshops related to recycling and sustainable practices are embedded within these spaces, encouraging active participation in eco-centric activities.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainable and locally sourced materials are a cornerstone of the Eco-Annex's design. Recycled concrete forms the structural framework, reducing waste while ensuring durability. Wood from sustainably managed forests is incorporated for its aesthetic and structural qualities. The strategic use of glass enhances natural light within the interiors and emphasizes transparency in the waste management process. Features such as green roofs not only support biodiversity but also provide insulation, combating urban heat. Additionally, the incorporation of 3D-printed components minimizes material waste and allows for design customization.

The project also features a central Recycling Core, which serves as a functional area for waste management education. This core functions as a hub where community members can engage in recycling initiatives, fostering a culture of ecological responsibility. Vertical gardens are integrated throughout the design, improving air quality and creating habitats for local wildlife. Adaptability is a key aspect of the design, allowing spaces to evolve in response to community needs and reinforcing a commitment to sustainability within urban planning.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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