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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles Define A Sustainable Urban Retreat

Authors:
Berfin Bukan, Ecem Naz Kirimlikurt, Bilgesu Karaali
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles Define A Sustainable Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

Exemplifying the harmony of cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, this urban retreat merges sustainable materials with thoughtful design to create a vibrant communal space that encourages interaction and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof to enhance insulation and support biodiversity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Features a flexible interior layout that adapts to various community activities.
04
Integrates large, strategically placed windows to maximize natural light and views.
05
Employs an innovative bent A-frame design that enhances structural efficiency and visual interest.
The architectural project presented is a thoughtful exploration of contemporary design, where form and function harmoniously coexist. Located in a vibrant urban setting, this design embodies a response to the local context while addressing modern living needs. It features a careful balance of aesthetic appeal and practical use, making it relevant to the surrounding community and environment.

This project represents a commitment to sustainable architecture, showcasing innovative solutions to common urban challenges. By emphasizing energy efficiency and resource management, the design aligns with contemporary expectations for residential, commercial, or communal spaces, depending on its specified use. The integration of green building practices not only contributes to reducing the carbon footprint but also enhances the quality of life for its users.

Key elements of the design include a well-considered spatial layout, which promotes both functionality and comfort. Open-plan areas facilitate flexibility in usage, allowing residents or occupants to adapt the space according to their needs. The use of large windows and open spaces invites natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This design choice not only enhances visual connections with the outdoors but also fosters a sense of well-being among users.

The material palette of the project is thoughtfully chosen, reflecting a blend of modern and traditional influences. Incorporating materials such as concrete, glass, timber, and steel, the design establishes a dialogue between durability and warmth. Concrete serves as a structural cornerstone, offering robustness, while glass elements create transparency, bridging indoor environments with nature outside. Timber adds a tactile quality, ensuring the interior remains inviting, while steel provides support and allows for creative interpretations of form. This careful selection of materials underscores the project’s focus on sustainability and aesthetic integrity.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. For example, the facade is innovatively treated to respond to climatic conditions, mitigating heat gain while maximizing natural ventilation. This not only emphasizes the building’s efficiency but also contributes to a visually engaging exterior. The incorporation of green roofs or living walls provides insulation and fosters biodiversity, demonstrating a thoughtful consideration of environmental impact.

Landscaping plays an important role in this architectural design, enhancing the relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape. Outdoor spaces are designed not merely as residual areas but as integral components that encourage social interaction and recreational activities. Gardens, terraces, or courtyards create pockets of tranquility within the urban fabric, serving as informal gathering spaces that bridge the gap between nature and architecture.

Another interesting aspect of the project is its community focus, evident in its design that fosters inclusivity and interaction. Shared spaces are strategically placed to encourage social connections, allowing occupants to engage with one another in a more meaningful way. Such design aspects not only strengthen community ties but also promote a sense of belonging, which is particularly vital in increasingly urbanized cultures.

The architectural plans and sections reveal the thoughtful organization of spaces, illustrating the project's multifunctionality. By showcasing these elements, one can appreciate how the design accommodates various activities and lifestyles, appealing to a broad demographic. Understanding these architectural ideas helps to visualize the potential of the space and its adaptability over time.

This project serves as a compelling example of modern architecture that is not only functional but also considerate of its surroundings. It reflects evolving residential and community needs, presenting a model for future developments in urban areas. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further for detailed insights into its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that can inspire a deeper understanding of contemporary architectural practice.
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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
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