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Cross-Laminated Timber Pods Integrating Playful Swings for Engaging Outdoor Reading Spaces

Author:
Michelle Mack
Cross-Laminated Timber Pods Integrating Playful Swings for Engaging Outdoor Reading Spaces

Project in-detail

With cross-laminated timber pods incorporating swings for active engagement, the design creates an inviting outdoor area that fosters a love for reading among users of all ages.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Swings integrated within reading pods promote active engagement with literature.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a textured aesthetic.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light and ventilation.
05
Modular configuration enables adaptability to various outdoor environments.
The project is an innovative architectural design centered around the concept of creating an engaging reading environment that merges leisure with literacy. The design features reading pods that incorporate swings, benches, and library functionalities, transforming the interaction with literature into an active experience. By leveraging natural landscapes, these installations foster an atmosphere conducive to reading while promoting physical activity.

Unique Functionality and Design Approach

The design stands out due to its integration of playful elements such as swings within reading spaces. This feature not only encourages varied modes of engagement but also reintroduces a sense of nostalgia related to childhood play. The spatial organization is meticulously planned, with reading pods strategically placed to enhance user comfort and accessibility. The materials used, including cross-laminated timber and weather-treated wood, contribute to both durability and aesthetic appeal, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly with its environment.

Sustainability and Modularity

The project emphasizes sustainability through the choice of materials, with cross-laminated timber providing strength while minimizing environmental impact. The modular nature of the design allows for adaptability across different settings, accommodating various urban or rural landscapes. This flexibility ensures that the installation can function effectively in diverse contexts while appealing to a wide audience. Additionally, the interaction between users is facilitated by the layout, creating a communal space that encourages social interactions around reading, reinforcing the importance of literature in communal life.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural concepts and detailed components of the project, the reader is encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the innovative ideas behind this reading environment. This insight will provide clarity on how the architectural choices come together to create a unique and functional space for users.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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