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Cliffside Center Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Cooling

Author:
Renzo Bonina
Cliffside Center Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Cooling

Project in-detail

Perched on a cliff, the community center utilizes cross-laminated timber and natural cooling principles to blend seamlessly with the forest landscape, providing a tranquil space for reflection and community gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community center located on a cliff that enhances natural views.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for unique architectural aesthetics.
04
Features cross ventilation to improve indoor air quality naturally.
05
Zen patios surround the main space, promoting relaxation and reflection.

The community center is located within a native forest, designed with a focus on being in harmony with the natural surroundings. The main idea is to minimize any disruption to the landscape while improving the overall experience for visitors. By blending open and enclosed spaces, the design showcases the beauty of nature, creating a calming environment for both reflection and community activities.

Access and Circulation

A thoughtfully designed access route invites visitors to begin a calming journey through the forest. This pathway helps people connect with nature before they reach the center. The circulation plan is intentional, promoting a deeper sense of belonging to the natural environment, which enhances the overall visitor experience.

Spatial Organization

Central to the center is a neutral space intended for various activities. This open area is surrounded by Zen patios, encouraging interaction between indoor and outdoor settings. The layout supports community engagement while taking advantage of the beautiful views, deepening the connection to the landscape. Positioned on a cliff, the center offers unique sightlines and fosters a strong relationship with the surrounding environment.

Materiality and Sustainability

A modular design approach has been adopted to make efficient use of resources and allow for flexibility in functions. Sustainability plays a key role, as features like cross ventilation enable natural cooling and reduce the need for mechanical systems. The use of cross-laminated timber not only provides structural support but also helps manage indoor humidity, enhancing comfort in the space.

Environmental Integration

Solar panels are part of the design, showing a commitment to energy efficiency. This focus on ecological responsibility is evident in how the building interacts with its surroundings. The architecture remains simple and practical, emphasizing user experience while respecting the landscape. Wide overhangs create shaded outdoor areas, allowing for comfortable interaction with nature and offering spaces to pause and reflect.

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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

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