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Charred Wooden Shingles Embrace Community Engagement in Sustainable Urban Center

Authors:
Ailen Di maggio, Brenda Krzyzanowski, Tomas Bencart
Charred Wooden Shingles Embrace Community Engagement in Sustainable Urban Center

Project in-detail

Embodying a harmonious blend of charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design fosters seamless community interaction while serving as a dynamic urban hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal while promoting fire resistance.
02
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while creating a distinctive silhouette that integrates with the urban landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and reduce the building's carbon footprint by utilizing sustainable materials.
04
The design incorporates flexible spaces that can be adapted for various community activities, fostering inclusive engagement.
05
Large, strategically placed windows optimize natural light and offer visual connections to the surrounding environment, enhancing user experience.
The architectural project embodies a thoughtful synthesis of form and function, responding to its environment while fulfilling a vital role within the community. Strategically located in a vibrant urban center, the design takes cues from its surroundings, fostering a sense of place while enhancing the user experience. At the heart of the project lies the intention to create an inviting space that promotes interaction and engagement, serving both as a destination and a catalyst for community development.

The project is structured to accommodate various functions, effectively catering to the diverse needs of its users. Flexible spaces allow for a multitude of activities, from public gatherings and cultural events to individual gatherings and workshops. This multifunctionality is crucial, as it ensures that the architecture remains relevant and utilized throughout different times of day and across seasons. The thoughtful organization of spaces reflects a deep understanding of architectural design principles, where flow and accessibility are prioritized, allowing users to navigate effortlessly through the various areas.

A notable feature of the project is its materiality, which thoughtfully balances aesthetics with performance and sustainability. Infusing a contemporary palette, the use of locally sourced materials such as stone, timber, and glass plays a significant role in creating a tactile and visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The incorporation of large windows and open spaces maximizes natural light, fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere while reducing energy consumption. This strategic use of materials not only contributes to the overall character of the architecture but also reinforces its environmental responsibility.

The design incorporates unique elements that echo traditional building techniques while integrating modern innovation. For instance, passive solar design principles are employed to optimize energy efficiency, allowing the building to maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal reliance on mechanical systems. The exterior was carefully articulated to ensure weather resilience, while allowing aesthetic variety that enriches the urban fabric. These approaches exemplify a profound respect for both the environment and the historical context of the site, showcasing how contemporary architecture can respect and respond to its heritage.

Landscaping plays an equally significant role within the scope of this architectural design. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces complement the built form, encouraging seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. These landscaped areas not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the project, but also provide essential green spaces for relaxation and recreation, further rooting the building within the community’s daily life.

The project stands out for its commitment to enhancing social interaction. The incorporation of communal areas—both inside and out—facilitates gatherings and conversations, fostering a sense of belonging among users. This approach highlights the pivotal role architecture plays in shaping community dynamics and improving quality of life. By creating spaces that invite collaboration and connection, the design demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and social needs.

In considering the future impacts of this project, it is clear that it aims to become a landmark within the neighborhood, both architecturally and socially. With its careful consideration of design, materials, and community engagement, it sets a benchmark for future architectural endeavors in urban areas. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to explore further details through architectural plans, sections, and various design interpretations that illuminate this project’s vision and purpose.

This architectural project represents a thoughtful convergence of design, functionality, and community engagement, illustrating how contemporary architecture can enhance everyday life while respecting its contextual roots. For an in-depth exploration of the architectural ideas and detailed designs that shaped this noteworthy project, readers are prompted to delve into its presentation to gain a fuller understanding of its unique qualities and implications.
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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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