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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Steel Formulate a Community Hub with Adaptive Spaces

Authors:
Emily Liu, Cooper Hollett, Xinrui Cai, Sarah Tyl
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Steel Formulate a Community Hub with Adaptive Spaces

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and recycled steel, the structure redefines community interaction through flexible spaces designed for diverse social functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features an adaptable interior layout, allowing for versatile community use.
04
Incorporates natural lighting strategies through large windows and skylights.
05
Integrates a green rooftop, promoting biodiversity and effective rainwater management.
The architectural project presents a contemporary response to its environment, emphasizing functionality and aesthetic harmony. Located in a diverse urban setting, the design strategically integrates with the surrounding landscape, providing functional spaces while enhancing the public realm. The project's primary function is to serve as a multi-purpose facility, adaptable for various community activities, including educational programs, gatherings, and recreational events. This versatility is a crucial aspect of its design, facilitating engagement and interaction among users.

The building's layout consists of multiple interconnected volumes that create a fluid spatial experience. An open floor plan maximizes the usable area, allowing for flexibility in interior arrangements. Large windows and strategically placed skylights are prominent features, which not only invite natural light into the interiors but also establish a visual connection with the external environment. This approach minimizes the reliance on artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency.

Sustainability is a core element of the architectural design. The project incorporates eco-friendly materials, including recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and high-performance glazing systems. These materials support the building's energy conservation goals by enhancing insulation and reducing thermal loss. Green rooftops serve to improve insulation further while facilitating rainwater management and biodiversity.

The unique design approach emphasizes modularity and adaptability, allowing the project to respond to changing community needs over time. The integration of outdoor spaces, such as terraces and gardens, enhances the usability of the facility and promotes a connection to nature. These areas are designed to host various activities, from informal gatherings to more structured events. The seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces enriches the user experience, making the building a central hub for community engagement.

The architectural elements are deliberately chosen to convey a sense of modernity while respecting the historical context of the location. The facade features a combination of textured concrete and smooth finishes that evoke a dialogue between contemporary and traditional aesthetics. This play on materiality not only enhances visual interest but also contributes to the building's overall durability and maintenance.

The project’s design underscores the importance of social interaction and community building. The incorporation of communal spaces encourages users to engage with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity. In this context, architecture transcends its basic functional role, becoming an instrument for social connectivity.

The analysis of this architectural project illustrates the careful consideration given to functionality, sustainability, and community engagement. Readers interested in a deeper exploration of architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs are encouraged to delve further into the project's presentation. Through examining these elements, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovative architectural ideas that define this unique project.
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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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