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Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Facades in a Versatile Community Hub

Author:
Aaron Thomas Cole
Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Facades in a Versatile Community Hub

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the community hub seamlessly integrates sustainability and flexibility to foster social interaction and engagement within an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels optimize structural integrity while reducing the building's carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for expansive interior spaces while maintaining a distinctive silhouette that integrates with the urban landscape.
04
Green roofs and vertical gardens are integrated to promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Flexible, multipurpose spaces within the hub can easily adapt to various community needs and events.
The architectural project under analysis exemplifies a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating an environment that is both purposeful and inviting. Located in a vibrant urban setting, the design addresses the needs of its users while also considering the surrounding context, contributing to the overall urban fabric. The project serves primarily as a multi-use facility, accommodating a variety of functions that enhance community engagement and interaction.

The design concept centers around the idea of connectivity and transparency, achieved through the careful placement of spaces and the strategic use of materials. Expansive glass facades invite natural light into the interior while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This emphasis on openness not only fosters a sense of community but also bridges the interior and exterior environments, creating inviting public spaces that encourage gathering and collaboration.

Key elements of the project include thoughtfully designed circulation patterns that facilitate easy movement throughout the building. The main entrance is framed by a welcoming overhang, which emphasizes accessibility while providing shelter from the elements. Inside, a central atrium serves as the heart of the project, promoting interaction with features such as comfortable seating areas and visual sightlines to various activity zones. This atrium effectively acts as a social hub, allowing users to engage with one another and the surrounding activities.

Materiality plays a significant role in the overall design, incorporating sustainable and locally sourced materials that resonate with the community's character. The predominant materials include reinforced concrete for structural components, sourced timber for warm accents, and high-performance glazing to ensure energy efficiency. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, reducing the building's ecological footprint while enhancing the overall aesthetic.

A particularly unique aspect of this project is the integration of green roofs and vertical gardens, which not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building. These landscape elements serve multiple functions: they reduce heat gain, promote biodiversity, and provide residents and visitors with a connection to nature in an urban setting. The implementation of these features aligns with contemporary architectural practices that prioritize ecological considerations.

The architectural design also includes flexible spaces that can be adapted for various uses, showcasing an innovative approach to spatial layout. Movable walls and multipurpose rooms cater to diverse needs, allowing the facility to host events, workshops, or community gatherings, thereby enhancing its versatility. This adaptability underscores a forward-thinking perspective on urban architecture, meeting the demands of an ever-evolving community.

The overall design exemplifies a strategic balance between modern aesthetic trends and the functional requirements of a public space. Attention to detail is evident in the execution of various architectural elements, from the seamless integration of technology in meeting spaces to the thoughtful landscaping that complements the building's architecture. This meticulous attention ensures that each component serves a specific purpose while contributing to the overall cohesiveness of the project.

As the community begins to engage with this architectural project, the potential for positive social interactions and enhanced community life becomes increasingly evident. The invested resources in creating a welcoming environment foster a sense of ownership and pride among users. The project represents not merely a building, but a dynamic space designed to adapt and grow with the community it serves.

To gain further insights into this project and explore its architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas, interested readers are encouraged to delve deeper into its presentation. The thoughtful execution of this architectural project invites exploration and highlights the importance of design that prioritizes community connection and sustainability.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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