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Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasize Eco-Friendly Design in Versatile Community Facility

Authors:
Charlie Pye, Volodymyr Opanasiuk, James Gregan
Charred Wooden Shingles Emphasize Eco-Friendly Design in Versatile Community Facility

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates sustainable materials and innovative construction methods to create a multifunctional community facility that fosters collaboration and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize interior space and natural light.
04
Designed with adaptable spaces that can be reconfigured for various community events.
05
Integrates a green roof system to promote biodiversity and reduce energy consumption.

The project is a contemporary architectural design that integrates modern functionality with contextual sensitivity. It serves as a multipurpose facility, aimed at fostering community engagement while accommodating various activities. The architectural design emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and efficiency, prioritizing the user experience and sustainability throughout its conception.

The building's layout is characterized by open floor plans that encourage collaboration and interaction among users. Upon entry, visitors encounter a spacious atrium that seamlessly connects different areas of the facility. This central hub serves not only as a circulation space but also as a gathering point, featuring large windows that invite ample natural light, enhancing the sense of openness.

The spatial organization includes designated zones for specific activities, such as meeting rooms, recreational spaces, and exhibition areas. Each zone is equipped with flexible furnishings, allowing for adaptability based on the changing needs of the community. The design places a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring that all areas are navigable for individuals of varying mobility.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project, with numerous eco-friendly practices implemented throughout. The exterior cladding utilizes locally sourced materials, which not only reduces transportation emissions but also ties the building to its regional context. The roof features a green space that provides insulation and reduces heat island effect, contributing to the facility's energy efficiency. Rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels further enhance the building's sustainable profile, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The unique approach to material selection plays a critical role in giving the project its distinct character. A combination of raw textured concrete and warm wooden accents creates a balanced aesthetic that is both modern and inviting. These materials were chosen not only for their visual impact but also for their durability and low maintenance requirements, aligning with the building’s sustainability goals.

Innovative design techniques were employed to maximize natural lighting and ventilation throughout the structure. Strategically placed skylights and operable windows facilitate airflow and reduce dependency on artificial lighting and climate control systems. This attention to environmental comfort reflects a comprehensive understanding of the surrounding climate and emphasizes the building's role as a healthy space for its users.

The project demonstrates a focus on blending functionality with aesthetic considerations, offering a fresh perspective in the realm of architectural designs. Its community-oriented nature reinforces the importance of public space in urban environments, enabling various cultural and social functions.

For those seeking further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs, an in-depth exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. Understanding these elements will provide a clearer picture of the architectural ideas and methodologies that have shaped this contemporary facility.

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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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