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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles Form a Community Hub Embraced by Nature

Authors:
Pulu Zhou, Huyi Guan
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles Form a Community Hub Embraced by Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted with cross-laminated timber panels and complemented by charred wooden shingles, this community hub harmonizes with its natural surroundings while providing versatile spaces for social interaction and cultural engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability while creating a visually appealing facade.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Includes integrated vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and engage users with nature.
05
Offers flexible interior layouts that adapt to a variety of community activities and events.
The project is an architectural design endeavor that emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and the seamless integration of the built environment with its surroundings. Designed with a focus on human experience, the architecture seeks to create a space that not only serves its intended purpose but also enriches the lives of its users. The building's design embodies a thoughtful approach to aesthetics and functionality, reflecting the local context while addressing contemporary needs.

Functionally, this project serves as a multi-use facility that accommodates various community activities. It is designed to house spaces for social interaction, events, and cultural activities, making it a central hub for community engagement. The layout is meticulously planned to ensure that all areas encourage usability and interaction among users. This reflects an architectural approach that prioritizes communal involvement and fosters a sense of belonging within the space.

One of the most notable aspects of the design is its materiality. The project utilizes a combination of sustainable materials, including recycled timber, concrete, and glass. The choice of materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the building's overall performance and sustainability. For instance, the use of recycled timber establishes a warm, inviting atmosphere while minimizing the environmental impact typically associated with new timber products. The concrete elements offer durability and structural integrity, while expansive glass panels allow natural light to flood the interiors, enhancing the user experience and reducing energy consumption.

In terms of architectural details, the project features a series of thoughtful design elements that contribute to its uniqueness. Open floor plans create fluid transitions between spaces, promoting an inviting atmosphere and facilitating informal gatherings. Vertical gardens and green roofs enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and add a layer of ecological awareness to the architectural design. These elements highlight a commitment to sustainability, merging nature with the built environment in a way that encourages interaction with the landscape.

The facade of the building is particularly noteworthy, combining modern aesthetics with traditional motifs that reflect the local heritage. This approach not only imbues the design with a sense of place but also relates to the historical context of the area, presenting an architectural language that resonates with the community. The thoughtful selection of colors and textures ensures that the building harmonizes with its surroundings rather than dominating them, promoting a dialogue between the architecture and its environment.

Lighting plays a critical role in this design, taking into account both natural and artificial sources. The architectural elements are deliberately positioned to maximize daylight exposure, significantly reducing reliance on electrical lighting. The incorporation of smart lighting systems enhances the functionality of the space while ensuring that the energy efficiency remains high.

An innovative aspect of this project is its adaptive design elements. These components allow the space to evolve according to the varied needs of its users, showcasing a forward-thinking approach in architecture. Movable walls and flexible furnishings enable multiple configurations of the interior, making it possible to host a variety of events ranging from workshops to public gatherings. This adaptability not only enhances functionality but also extends the life of the architecture by allowing it to remain relevant.

The project embodies a comprehensive understanding of contemporary architectural ideas and methodologies, particularly in how it incorporates societal, environmental, and cultural factors into its design. The synthesis of sustainable practices with user-centric features emphasizes a well-rounded approach that meets modern demands while respecting the past.

Readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, sections, and diverse architectural designs to gain a deeper understanding of the innovative ideas embedded within this multi-faceted project. A thorough examination of the presentation will provide further insights into the intentional decision-making processes behind the design and material selections, highlighting the inspiring outcomes of this architectural endeavor.
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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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