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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades Redefine Urban Hospitality

Author:
Luca Cesare M Arnaud
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades Redefine Urban Hospitality

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a glass facade, the design transforms an underutilized office building into a vibrant hotel that fosters community engagement and sustainability in the heart of Bishkek.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, enhancing weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views of the courtyard.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainability and resource management.
05
Includes a central courtyard designed to foster social interactions among guests.

### Overview

The project is situated in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and involves converting an existing office building into a multifunctional hotel. The design integrates principles from the Bauhaus movement with contemporary sustainability practices to create an environment that promotes interaction and community engagement. The aim is to revitalize an underutilized urban space and offer amenities that enhance both guest experiences and the surrounding community.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The architectural strategy emphasizes accessibility and visual connectivity throughout the site. The rearrangement of the building’s entrance to street level fosters urban integration and encourages foot traffic, creating a welcoming public realm. Indoor and outdoor spaces are intentionally designed to facilitate social interactions among guests and visitors, with communal gathering areas interwoven with landscaping features, such as gardens that provide moments of pause from the urban environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A commitment to sustainability is reflected in the selection of innovative and durable materials. The structural framework is primarily composed of steel, complemented by extensive glass facades that enhance natural light penetration. Precast concrete panels contribute both strength and design flexibility, while metal roofing ensures resilience against weather elements. Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting systems and green roof elements that enhance insulation and promote energy efficiency. Wood is used as a finishing material to introduce warmth to the interior spaces. This combination of materials not only enhances the aesthetic character of the building but also supports its functional performance and environmental goals.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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