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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Connectivity in Urban Library Design

Authors:
ISMAEL MARTIN, JORGE LEON, RUBEN RUBERTE, CARLOS SOTO
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Connectivity in Urban Library Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and an adaptable design, the urban library fosters community interaction and collaboration through versatile spaces that cater to diverse educational needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles, providing both fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial versatility.
04
Includes a central courtyard that fosters outdoor interaction and biodiversity.
05
Integrates flexible interior layouts adaptable to various community programs and events.

### Overview

The project encompasses a multi-functional educational facility designed to function primarily as a library while incorporating various public spaces. Situated in an urban environment, the facility aims to enhance accessibility and foster community engagement through its thoughtful architectural integration. The design focuses on harmonizing aesthetics with practical use, thereby establishing a modern precedent in public architecture.

### Spatial Organization

The layout is strategically conceived to promote movement and interaction among users. The ground floor serves as a primary entry point, facilitating direct access to the library and communal areas. Upper levels provide differentiated spaces, including a lookout bar and conference rooms, which not only fulfill functional requirements but also frame views of the surrounding area, effectively linking indoor and outdoor environments. The design features mixed-use areas, allowing for adaptability; these zones can be reconfigured to accommodate both solitary study and collaborative workshops, demonstrating versatility in user experience.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The choice of materials plays a critical role in both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the building. Concrete serves as a durable foundational element, while laminated wood adds warmth to interior spaces. Ceramic tiles and vinyl finishes are selected for their functionality and ease of maintenance, contributing to a contemporary design language. Aluminum panels enrich the façade, creating a dynamic visual interaction with natural light.

Environmental sustainability is prioritized through passive design strategies. Optimized window placement maximizes natural light and enhances ventilation, while thermal mass principles stabilize indoor climates. The inclusion of a courtyard acts as a thermal buffer and a recreational area, responding effectively to local climatic conditions. This energy-efficient design minimizes reliance on artificial lighting and heating, ultimately benefiting both occupants and the environment.

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

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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
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