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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Hub Crafted With Cross-Laminated Timber

Authors:
Amber Luscombe, Priit Jürimäe, Jo Hart, Neil MacOmish
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Hub Crafted With Cross-Laminated Timber

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the community hub seamlessly blends sustainable materials with flexible spaces to foster social interaction and engagement among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and provides flexible interior spaces.
04
Includes a community garden area that encourages sustainable practices and local engagement.
05
Designed with movable partitions to adapt to various functions and community needs.
The recent architectural project is a thoughtfully designed community center that serves as a hub for local engagement and social activities. Situated in an urban setting that is both vibrant and densely populated, the building not only meets the needs of its immediate users but also contributes to the broader urban fabric. The design represents a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and community connectivity, redefining the role of public architecture in enhancing social interaction.

Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by an open and welcoming lobby characterized by an expansive ceiling that creates a feeling of spaciousness. This area serves multiple functions, including a reception, casual meeting spots, and lounge areas, facilitating informal gatherings and interactions among community members. Natural light floods the space through large windows, establishing a strong connection with the outdoors and contributing to the building’s energy efficiency through passive solar design principles.

The main functional spaces of the community center include multipurpose meeting rooms, classrooms, and recreational areas. These spaces are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for various configurations depending on the type of event or activity taking place. The classrooms are equipped with movable partitions, enabling them to be joined into larger spaces for community gatherings or events. This versatility ensures that the facility can adapt to the diverse needs of its users, whether for educational workshops, fitness classes, or social gatherings.

A key feature of the design is the intentional incorporation of sustainable materials and construction practices. The project utilizes locally sourced materials such as timber for structural elements, enhancing the building’s environmental footprint by reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local economy. Additionally, concrete and steel are used judiciously, providing strength and durability. The use of renewable resources, like bamboo paneling in interior finishes, further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. Careful consideration has been given to insulation and energy efficiency, minimizing the building's operational costs and environmental impact.

The architectural design also emphasizes green spaces, integrating outdoor areas that function as extensions of the indoor facilities. Roof gardens and landscaped terraces create inviting outdoor environments that promote relaxation and social interaction. These spaces are designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also for educational purposes, with areas designated for community gardening, encouraging residents to engage with nature and learn about sustainable practices.

In exploring unique design approaches, it is evident that the project prioritizes user experience by fostering a sense of belonging. The orientation of the building maximizes views of the surrounding neighborhood, allowing for a visual connection to the community it serves. This thoughtful positioning reinforces the idea that architecture can play a crucial role in bridging spaces and enhancing social cohesion. The integration of artwork from local artists within the interior and exterior spaces adds to the character of the center, further anchoring it within its community context.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the project, from the carefully selected fixtures to the ergonomic furniture chosen for communal spaces, ensuring comfort and functionality. The architectural design respects the surrounding existing structures while contributing its unique identity to the streetscape, demonstrating an understanding of historical context and local architectural language.

This community center stands as a model of responsible design in architecture, highlighting how a well-considered project can fulfill functional requirements while enhancing the well-being of its users. Those interested in understanding the intricacies of this project are encouraged to explore the various architectural plans, sections, and designs that reveal the thought processes and strategies employed to achieve such a harmonious integration within the community. Engaging with these materials will offer deeper insights into the architectural ideas that shaped this significant contribution to the urban landscape.
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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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