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Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Integrating Biophilic Design and Sustainable Practices

Author:
Hejie Xu
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Integrating Biophilic Design and Sustainable Practices

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and integrating a central community garden, the design creates a harmonious space that fosters social interaction and serves as a multifunctional hub for local residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Features a community garden integrated within the design to promote biodiversity and community engagement.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles that provide both weather resistance and a unique aesthetic appeal.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and improve spatial dynamics within the interior.
05
Employs permeable concrete pathways to facilitate effective water drainage and reduce runoff on-site.
The Green Oasis Community Center stands as a purposeful example of modern architecture designed with a clear mission: to foster community interaction and promote sustainability in the urban landscape of downtown Seattle. Crafted by EcoSpace Designs, this project exemplifies a balanced approach to modern design, emphasizing both form and function while engaging deeply with its surrounding environment.

At its core, the Green Oasis Community Center embodies the principles of biophilic design. This architectural philosophy seeks to reconnect inhabitants with nature, addressing the growing need for green spaces within urban settings. The center’s design integrates natural elements such as a central garden, water features, and green roofs, creating serene environments that benefit both psychological well-being and social connectivity. This commitment to nature-driven design not only reflects an understanding of the local context but also aligns with broader ecological goals.

Functionally, the Green Oasis serves multiple roles as a community hub, educational resource, and event space. The layout is intuitively designed to cater to a diverse range of activities. The ground level features an expansive community hall, which is adaptable for events, gatherings, and exhibitions. This flexible space is strategically connected to a café area that encourages casual social interactions and meetings among residents. The design promotes openness and transparency, with large windows flooding the interiors with natural light and offering views of the exterior greenery.

The upper levels of the center are dedicated to multi-purpose rooms intended for workshops, classes, and community meetings. This organization ensures that the building accommodates varied community needs without compromising its structural integrity or aesthetic appeal. The careful consideration of scale and layout helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere, making it accessible for individuals and families alike.

Materiality plays a significant role in the architectural narrative of the Green Oasis Community Center. The choice of materials reflects a conscious effort to uphold sustainable practices and create a sense of warmth and connection to nature. Recycled steel forms the backbone of the structural framework, ensuring durability while minimizing the environmental impact. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) features prominently in the building's interior, imparting a natural aesthetic and contributing to less energy-intensive construction processes.

The exterior is adorned with photovoltaic glass, which allows for ample natural illumination while simultaneously harnessing solar energy. This innovative feature not only reduces reliance on non-renewable resources but also serves as an embodiment of the project’s commitment to sustainability. The pathways surrounding the building are constructed from permeable concrete, promoting effective water drainage and minimizing runoff, further enhancing the ecological performance of the site.

Beyond its physical attributes, the Green Oasis Community Center evokes a sense of identity within the community. It serves as a gathering point where diverse groups can come together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The architecture facilitates a dialogue between the community and its environment, encouraging residents to engage with the center while enjoying the surrounding natural elements.

Uniquely, the Green Oasis has embraced an iterative design approach that integrates feedback from community members throughout its development. This collaborative methodology ensures that the final product is not merely a structure, but a reflection of the aspirations and needs of its users. By prioritizing user experience in architectural design, the project exemplifies a shift towards more inclusive and socially responsible practices in the field.

As the Green Oasis Community Center continues to serve its mission, it stands as a model for future projects that seek to marry innovative architectural practices with sustainable design principles. Its thoughtful approach to material use, spatial organization, and community engagement illustrates a well-rounded understanding of contemporary architectural needs and highlights the importance of fostering relationships between people and their environment.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural details of this project, we invite you to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that provide a comprehensive overview of the design and its execution. Each element of the Green Oasis Community Center contributes to a cohesive and meaningful architectural statement that resonates with the community it serves.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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