Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Community hub featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles in a sustainable landscape design

Authors:
Ankit Sharma, Ankur Sharma
Community hub featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles in a sustainable landscape design

Project in-detail

Nestled within a thoughtfully landscaped environment, this community hub showcases the seamless integration of cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, creating a versatile space that prioritizes user interaction and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates movable partitions that allow for flexible use of space for various community activities.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for the façade, enhancing weather resistance while providing an aesthetic connection to local building traditions.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels were selected for their lightweight strength, reducing the overall structural load while promoting sustainability.
04
Passive solar strategies are integrated into the building's orientation, optimizing natural light and minimizing energy consumption.
05
Native vegetation landscaping supports local biodiversity, reducing maintenance needs and creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of modern design principles with contextual sensitivity, creating a functionally rich environment within its geographical setting. The building sits harmoniously within the landscape, showcasing a multifaceted approach that enhances its utility while respecting the originally intended purpose of the site. This project serves as a community hub, designed to foster social interaction and engagement through its innovative spatial arrangements and versatile use of materials.

The overall design emphasizes functionality and user experience, focusing on the way individuals move through the space and interact with each other. The open floor plans and interspersed communal areas facilitate accessibility, allowing for a seamless flow between various public and private zones. These considerations are paramount in achieving a project that meets contemporary needs while also encouraging sustainable practices.

Central to the design is an emphasis on natural light, with strategically placed windows and skylights that illuminate the interior spaces throughout the day. This focus not only creates a welcoming atmosphere but also promotes energy efficiency, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The fenestration and orientation of the building are carefully considered to maximize daylighting while minimizing heat gain during the warmer months.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in the architectural expression of this project. There is a clear commitment to using sustainable materials, which resonate with modern environmental considerations. Key materials employed in the construction include high-performance concrete, sustainably sourced timber, and glass, each chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The use of timber introduces warmth and texture, contrasting beautifully with the sleek lines of the concrete and glass, which together create a balanced and calming environment.

The façade of the building is particularly noteworthy, as it presents an engaging interplay between solid and transparent surfaces. The choice of materials not only serves aesthetic purposes but also contributes to the building’s overall performance, with insulated glass units providing thermal efficiency and acoustic comfort. This careful selection highlights the architect's dedication to creating a structure that is both visually pleasing and functionally adept.

An important aspect of the project is its adaptability. The design incorporates movable partitions that allow spaces to be reconfigured according to varying user needs. This feature is essential for accommodating diverse activities, ranging from community gatherings to educational workshops. The multifunctionality of the space ensures that it can evolve over time, staying relevant to the community it serves.

The landscaping surrounding the building complements its architectural language, featuring native vegetation that promotes biodiversity while requiring minimal maintenance. This choice reflects an understanding of sustainable landscape practices, contributing positively to the local ecosystem.

Additionally, aspects of the project consider the cultural and historical context of its location. Local architectural vernacular is respected and integrated into the modern design language, ensuring that the new structure feels both contemporary and connected to its surroundings. This contextual approach embeds the building within the community, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

The project is remarkably unique in its holistic approach, addressing contemporary architectural challenges with a clear vision for sustainability, functionality, and community engagement. By carefully considering both the physical and social landscapes, the design emerges as an exemplar of modern architecture that is forward-thinking yet deeply rooted in its locale.

For those interested in further exploring the intricacies of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design ideas, a review of additional materials and presentations will provide deeper insights into the conceptualization and execution of this architectural endeavor. The layers of thoughtfulness embedded in the design invite deeper exploration and appreciation of its multifaceted nature.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy