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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Spaces Reshaping Community Engagement in a Multifunctional Hub

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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Spaces Reshaping Community Engagement in a Multifunctional Hub
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Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades create a harmonious blend of transparency and materiality, designed to foster community interaction within a multifunctional urban incubator.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles integrated into the facade enhance both aesthetics and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural components, promoting sustainability.
03
The design incorporates terraced landscaping to blend the building with the surrounding environment.
04
Large glass elements ensure visual connectivity between interior and exterior spaces.
05
Dedicated workshop zones are strategically placed to facilitate collaborative creativity.

### Overview

The project "Yamanashi Now" is located in Yamanashi, Japan, where it aims to repurpose a historical site originally serving as a Broadcasting and Press Center into a multi-functional urban facility. The design reflects the cultural heritage of Yamanashi while addressing the current needs for social interaction, education, and creative production. Its intent is to create a vibrant gathering space that fosters community engagement and promotes collaborative efforts.

### Spatial Strategy

The design adopts a systems-thinking approach, facilitating connectivity between various urban elements through innovative spatial arrangements. The center incorporates a hybrid media framework that combines public and private areas tailored to support diverse functions such as learning and creativity. A pathway system is implemented within the structure to guide users while encouraging spontaneous interactions, thereby enhancing collaboration among visitors. Visible circulation elements, including open staircases, promote transparency between different functional zones, allowing users to engage fluidly with various spaces.

The layout's decentralization creates distinct areas that cater to specific activities while ensuring smooth transitions between zones. This offers users both private retreats and collaborative hubs, effectively balancing individual focus with forums for discussion and interaction.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a crucial role in bridging the contemporary design with Yamanashi's historical vernacular. Key materials employed include concrete for structural durability, glass to promote transparency and visual connections, steel for dynamic architectural expressions, and wood to introduce warmth and a natural aesthetic to interior spaces.

The project incorporates landscape features such as terraced gardens and communal rooftops, enhancing ecological sustainability and providing recreational areas. By integrating these outdoor elements with the built environment, the design fosters a sense of community while recognizing the importance of the ecological footprint. The interplay of materials and spaces aligns with the objective of creating an adaptable environment responsive to the community's evolving needs.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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