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Community Pavilion Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Straw Insulation

Author:
Johan Meisel
Community Pavilion Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Straw Insulation

Project in-detail

Nestled within a lush forest, this community pavilion harmonizes with its environment through the use of charred wooden shingles and straw insulation, creating inviting spaces that promote social interaction while respecting the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, a technique that enhances durability and creates a textured aesthetic unique to the regional climate.
02
Sustainable straw insulation sourced from local farms significantly improves energy efficiency while minimizing the project's carbon footprint.
03
Each pavilion features a circular layout to encourage inclusive gatherings, promoting a sense of community interaction.
04
The transparent glass facades are strategically placed to maximize natural light while framing views of the surrounding forest.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for effective rainwater harvesting, integrating environmental responsibility into the pavilion’s function.
The project under analysis presents an architectural endeavor that harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings while serving a vital community function. This design focuses on creating multiple pavilions, thoughtfully situated within a lush forest context. The project exemplifies the intent to foster connections among users while providing a tranquil escape into nature, thereby emphasizing the importance of outdoor community spaces.

The architecture represents a convergence of functionality and aesthetic sensibility. Each pavilion serves specific purposes, ranging from gathering spaces to areas for relaxation and contemplation. The choice of form—circular and triangular shapes—reflects an intention to break away from rigid, conventional building forms, encouraging a sense of openness and flexibility that invites exploration. This design strategy not only promotes user interaction but also supports social cohesion within the community.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project, with an emphasis on local and sustainable resources. The exterior cladding of wood shingles is not just visually appealing; it also draws from the regional vernacular, creating a sense of identity and connection to the landscape. The use of straw insulation highlights a commitment to sustainability, improving the building's energy efficiency while minimizing its ecological footprint. Large expanses of glass allow for a transparent relationship with the environment, ensuring that occupants feel linked to the natural beauty that surrounds them.

The strategic placement of the pavilions is another noteworthy aspect of the design. Positioned away from the car park to encourage a conscious transition into nature, this thoughtful distance enables users to absorb their surroundings and mentally prepare for the communal experience ahead. The careful orientation of the pavilions considers sunlight exposure, creating comfortable and inviting spaces year-round. Integration of shutters adds to the building's adaptability, allowing interiors to respond effectively to varying weather conditions while also enhancing the overall security of the spaces.

Unique design approaches abound in this project, showcasing innovative thinking regarding community use and environmental context. For instance, the circular form of one pavilion fosters inclusivity and equitable access—an essential aspect in designing communal spaces. This attention to user experience is further reflected in the consideration of seasonal changes, ensuring that the architecture not only serves its functional purpose but also becomes a beloved part of the community’s daily life.

The project's thoughtful engagement with local materials, forms, and environmental considerations solidifies its architectural significance. By successfully synthesizing these elements, it creates an inviting and sustainable environment that speaks to the needs of the community while respecting the land it inhabits. This project effectively challenges the traditional boundaries of architectural design, illustrating the potential for built environments to not only exist but thrive in harmony with the natural world.

For those interested in delving deeper into this architectural endeavor, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into the project’s operational and aesthetic nuances. Exploring the architectural ideas behind The Pavilions offers an enriching perspective on how thoughtful design can positively impact community engagement and environmental stewardship.
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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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