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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Framing Enhance Outdoor Dining Experience

Authors:
Hanbing Wu, Helia Mahdavian, Fiona Lam
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Framing Enhance Outdoor Dining Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and an efficient timber framework, the facility offers an outdoor catering space designed to foster community engagement within a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and visual texture.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and airflow.
04
Offers modular catering units that can adapt to various community events and gatherings.
05
Incorporates clear glass panels to create a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape.
Food Grove Project Analysis

Food Grove is an architectural design project that integrates a catering space with its natural environment. The concept revolves around creating a functional and inviting area for social interaction while maintaining respect for the local ecology. The design focuses on the seamless engagement between users and nature, promoting communal dining experiences in an outdoor setting that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

The project features a tilted roof structure that serves multiple purposes: it shields visitors from adverse weather, enhances the visual appeal, and optimizes water drainage. The implementation of large glass panels allows natural light to penetrate the interior, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. This spatial relationship is vital, as it enables users to experience the flora and fauna in proximity to their dining activities.

Innovative Material Selection

Food Grove emphasizes sustainability through its material choices. The predominant use of wood, specifically local SPF lumber, ensures a reduced carbon footprint while enhancing the building's thermal performance. This material not only aligns with ecological values but also offers warmth and comfort to the indoor spaces. The use of glass for windows further strengthens this connection, allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding nature and contributing to energy efficiency.

The project incorporates modularity through the design of two separate catering units that share a common wall while providing individual storage areas. This approach allows for flexible operations, accommodating various events and gatherings. The design also addresses construction efficiency, as the stacking methods for timber elements enable ease of assembly, thereby reducing skill requirements for builders.

Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

Central to the project is its spatial configuration, which enhances circulation and encourages community engagement. The layout features clearly defined paths that guide visitors through designated zones, including gathering areas, dining spaces, and service points. This organization promotes social interactions, allowing patrons to enjoy the outdoor ambiance while facilitating efficient catering operations.

Additionally, the design integrates resting areas beneath the existing trees, providing shaded spots for relaxation and interaction. This aspect of the project underscores the importance of blending built environments with natural elements, allowing users to appreciate the benefits of outdoor living while engaging in communal dining experiences.

Food Grove serves as an exemplary case of how architecture can harmonize with nature to create functional spaces. The focus on sustainable materials, innovative construction methods, and community-centric design principles results in a project that caters to both the needs of its users and the surrounding environment.

Explore the project presentation for more details, including architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that further illustrate the unique aspects of Food Grove. These elements provide valuable insights into the thoughtful design approach that defines this project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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