Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber And Charred Shingles Harmonize In A Contemporary Community Space

Author:
Kieran Gaffney
Cross-Laminated Timber And Charred Shingles Harmonize In A Contemporary Community Space

Project in-detail

Combining cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this facility reimagines a historic barn into a versatile space for community gatherings and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates the existing stone barn with contemporary materials for functional contrast.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and enhance structural efficiency.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior volume while maintaining a connection to the rural context.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic in the building's exterior.
05
Landscaping features natural playgrounds designed to foster community interaction and ecological engagement.

### Project Overview
The project is located within a rural landscape, designed to integrate a modern facility with the existing stone barn on site. The design aims to balance contemporary architectural language with traditional craftsmanship, while prioritizing sustainability, functionality, and a connection to the natural surroundings. The new timber and thatch structure effectively repurposes the barn, allowing for contemporary uses while respecting its historical significance.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The layout comprises distinct zones that facilitate various activities, beginning with the Main Event Hall situated within the historical barn. This double-height space enhances communal interaction and connection to the landscape, serving as the focal point for gatherings. Above, private rooms are included to provide areas for relaxation and meditation, addressing the facility's wellness focus. The entrance features a cantilevered design, improving accessibility and encouraging fluid movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategies
Local and sustainable materials are integral to the design philosophy. Timber is utilized extensively for structural elements, while thatch provides thermal insulation and visual continuity with traditional forms. The stone barn serves as a historical anchor, melding the new and old elements cohesively. Large glass windows facilitate natural light and views, reinforcing the relationship with the surrounding environment.

Environmental considerations include systems for microgeneration, rainwater harvesting, and natural heating methods, all aligning with contemporary sustainability practices. The landscape plan promotes ecological responsibility by incorporating features such as natural playgrounds and integrated parking, enhancing both the functionality of the space and the surrounding biodiversity.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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