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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Community-Centric Living Environment

Author:
Andrea Baños
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Community-Centric Living Environment

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, this community-focused living environment seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while promoting interaction and connection among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a strong yet lightweight structural framework.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light penetration and visual connectivity with the landscape.
04
Pathways are integrated into the site layout to encourage spontaneous community interactions.
05
Landscaping features native plants that require minimal maintenance and promote local biodiversity.
The project is an exemplary architectural undertaking that seeks to redefine modern living through the thoughtful interplay of space, nature, and community. It represents a commitment to integrating residential functions with public life, creating an environment that fosters connectivity while maintaining individual privacy. Situated in a context that suggests both urban density and natural serenity, the design responds to its geographic setting by weaving in elements that enhance the users' experience of the space.

At its core, this project functions as a multifaceted living space, boasting various zones that cater to the diverse needs of its occupants. The residential areas are crafted to foster community interaction, while also providing private retreats for residents. This balance between communal and private spaces is a hallmark of the design, allowing residents to engage with each other without compromising their own personal sanctuaries.

One of the most significant aspects of the architectural design is its layout. The buildings are organized around an array of pathways, which not only serve as functional routes but also as connectors that invite exploration and engagement. This hierarchy of movement encourages residents to traverse the site and interact with both their neighbors and the landscape, blurring the lines between built and natural environments. The careful arrangement of spaces promotes a sense of belonging and shared experience, which is crucial in fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

The architectural design is replete with carefully considered details that enhance both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. The strategic use of materials plays a crucial role in this project. Stone is utilized for exterior finishes, adding to the overall textural richness of the structures, while glass elements optimize natural light and offer views of the surrounding landscape. The incorporation of wood not only brings warmth to the interiors but also supports sustainable design practices, aligning with contemporary architectural thinking. Reinforced concrete ensures the structural integrity of the buildings while allowing for creative forms that engage with the topography.

What sets this project apart is its agile response to the surrounding landscape. The design embraces the natural topography, resulting in a fluid integration of built forms with the environment. Each structure evolves alongside the land, promoting accessibility and enhancing the connection between residents and their surroundings. This approach reflects a deeper understanding of architecture as not just a series of buildings, but as a living organism that interacts with its context, creating dynamic relationships between users, space, and nature.

The architectural designs employed in this project also showcase a blend of modern and traditional styles, resulting in a cohesive visual narrative that respects the historical context while embracing contemporary aesthetics. This unique design approach acknowledges the past while paving the way for future interpretations of living spaces. The building volumes exhibit a careful balance between solid forms and light-filled voids, creating places where occupants can enjoy both privacy and openness.

As a living environment, this project enables a lifestyle that encourages interaction, wellness, and connection to nature. Beyond mere functionality, it is a deliberate exploration of how architectural design can facilitate community bonding and a sense of belonging. The thoughtful layout, material choices, and aesthetic details converge to create a holistic experience that benefits the residents and their environment.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and design elements, exploring the full project presentation will provide valuable insights into the intricacies of this thoughtfully crafted space. This architectural endeavor stands as a testament to the potential of design to enrich lives through the fusion of form, function, and place.
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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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