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Charred Wooden Shingles Integrating Fluid Geometry in Sustainable Community Spaces

Author:
Aja Webb-sears
Charred Wooden Shingles Integrating Fluid Geometry in Sustainable Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability through charred wooden shingles and fluid geometric forms, the design creates an engaging communal space that fosters interaction while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a textured aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels facilitate rapid assembly and structural stability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light penetration throughout the interior.
04
Integrated rainwater drainage systems improve landscape sustainability and water management.
05
Native plant landscaping supports local biodiversity and reduces maintenance needs.
The architectural design project replicates a seamless integration of built structures with their natural surroundings. Built within a context that suggests proximity to water and dense vegetation, the project prioritizes ecological sustainability and community engagement. Functionally, it serves as a multifunctional space, potentially designated for communal activities, leisure, and cultural exchange. The design promotes interaction among inhabitants while facilitating exploration within the site.

The composition involves a series of geometric shapes, primarily triangular and linear, designed to enhance navigation throughout the landscape. The use of varied materials, including glass, concrete, wood, and metal, ensures both aesthetic appeal and structural viability. Concrete provides the necessary durability while allowing for distinctive geometric forms. Glass offers transparency, facilitating visual connections with the exterior landscape. Wood elements create warmth, enhancing human-scale interactions within the space, while metal components add a contemporary edge to the overall architectural narrative.

Unique Design Approaches

The project’s approach to sustainability is particularly noteworthy. By utilizing local vegetation within the landscape design, it fosters biodiversity and minimizes maintenance requirements. Water features are strategically integrated to address ecological concerns and create reflective surfaces that enhance the environment. Furthermore, these water bodies function as part of a sustainable drainage system, crucial for managing stormwater runoff in an area likely prone to flooding.

The architectural layout encourages natural light penetration through carefully placed openings, optimizing energy efficiency and creating inviting interior spaces. Moreover, the design incorporates communal zones with varied scales, optimizing its suitability for different types of gatherings and activities. This attentiveness to space utilization and community engagement differentiates the project from others, as it not only focuses on aesthetics but also prioritizes social interaction and resilience.

Architectural Details and Functionality

The functional aspects of this architectural design extend beyond mere aesthetics. The layout is meticulously planned to support diverse activities, emphasizing adaptability in space use. Distinct areas allow for passive and active recreation, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Each segment of the design connects with the external environment, fostering a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The materials selected further address performance and sustainability goals, with an emphasis on energy-efficient solutions. Concrete provides robust structural support, while wood elements add a tactile quality to the spaces, promoting comfort. Glass panels not only influence the aesthetic but enable cross-ventilation and light control, directly affecting energy consumption.

This architectural project stands as a model of contemporary design, embodying functional versatility while responding to environmental concerns. To explore the project in greater detail, including architectural plans, sections, and design methodologies, consider reviewing the comprehensive presentation available on the project website. Engage with the architectural ideas present in this design to gain further insights into its innovative approaches and practical applications.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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