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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Space Designed with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Authors:
trevor gunderson, kylie kusleika
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Space Designed with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics, this community space integrates cross-laminated timber panels to create a welcoming environment for social interaction and educational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural lighting.
04
Integrates vertical gardens to improve air quality and connect users with nature.
05
Includes flexible communal areas designed for various social and educational activities.

The project under analysis is a contemporary architectural design situated in an urban environment characterized by its dynamic interaction with natural elements. It integrates both functionality and aesthetic appeal, delivering a space that serves multiple purposes while adhering to modern design principles. The overall architectural language is defined by clean lines, open spaces, and an emphasis on transparency, promoting a seamless connection between the interior and exterior.

This structure serves as a community gathering space, offering areas for social interaction, educational activities, and various events. The design aims to foster a sense of belonging among users, making the space not only a physical structure but also a catalyst for community engagement.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project, with a focus on sustainability and durability. The primary materials used include reinforced concrete for its structural integrity, glass for transparency and natural light, and timber for warmth and aesthetic value. These materials collectively contribute to the building's contemporary look while aligning with environmental considerations.

The project's unique design approach lies in its integration of green spaces within the architecture. Vertical gardens and landscaped terraces provide not only aesthetic value but also improve air quality and promote biodiversity. This incorporation of nature within an urban context sets the project apart from traditional designs, highlighting a commitment to enhancing the surrounding environment.

Furthermore, the layout of the building is thoughtfully designed to facilitate natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing reliance on artificial heating and lighting. This passive design strategy not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances the user experience, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

In addition to the structural and material features, the project showcases an innovative approach to circulation. The arrangement of spaces encourages movement and interaction, with wide corridors and communal areas that invite connection among users. This design aspect reflects a deeper understanding of human behavior and the importance of spatial relationships in social settings.

Aspects of the architectural plans reveal a meticulous consideration of spatial organization, ensuring that functional areas are easily accessible while still offering intimate spaces for reflection and quiet. The architectural sections illustrate the layering of spaces, highlighting how light and shadow play across surfaces to create a dynamic environment throughout the day.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural design, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs associated with the project. These elements provide additional insights into the unique architectural ideas and solutions implemented within this noteworthy design.

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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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