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Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Facades Create Safe Spaces for Healing and Community Engagement

Author:
Sarah Watts
Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Facades Create Safe Spaces for Healing and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and robust stone exteriors, the design creates a sanctuary that fosters emotional well-being and community interaction through carefully curated spaces for reflection and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for optimal light and space efficiency.
04
Dedicated areas for yoga and tea ceremonies promote wellness practices.
05
Interior layout encourages both communal interaction and private reflection.
The architectural project titled "A Safe Space: The Healing Power of Love" focuses on creating an environment that supports emotional well-being and healing through its structured design. The project employs various architectural elements and materials to symbolize the journey of healing, revealing inner strength while fostering a sense of safety.

The design integrates multiple user spaces to accommodate individual reflection, communal interaction, and therapeutic activities. The overall spatial organization encourages social engagement while also providing privacy for users, striking a balance between community and solitude.

Unique Architectural Strategies and Materiality

What sets this project apart from others is its conceptual framework centered around vulnerability and transformation. The architecture employs a metaphorical interpretation of a clam and its pearl, where the clam represents protective barriers, and the pearl symbolizes the valuable potential of healing that resides within individuals. This conceptual approach informs both the design language and spatial arrangements.

Material choices are critical in establishing the project's vision. The use of stone for the exterior walls conveys stability and strength, offering a sense of assurance. Wood elements within the interior add warmth and a human touch, promoting comfort. Transparent glass elements allow for openness while maintaining a connection to nature, creating an atmosphere that invites light and visibility, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences.

Innovative Spatial Configuration and Community Focus

The project features innovative spatial configurations designed to encourage both communal activities and interactions. A dedicated yoga studio and tea-making area are incorporated to support wellness practices while fostering a sense of community. The dismantling of pre-existing walls illustrates a commitment to transforming hidden barriers into open pathways for connection and healing.

Overall, the design emphasizes the need for spaces that accommodate diverse emotional experiences. The layering of different materials and thoughtful spatial arrangements speaks to the complexity of personal healing journeys and the importance of community support.

For further insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation, which outlines the architectural ideas behind "A Safe Space: The Healing Power of Love."
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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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