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Cultural Center Featuring Charred Wood Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Elements in a Spiraled Form

Authors:
Steve Kulish, Sainath Dasma
Cultural Center Featuring Charred Wood Cladding and Cross-Laminated Timber Elements in a Spiraled Form

Project in-detail

This cultural center, distinguished by its spiraling form and a harmonious blend of charred wood cladding and cross-laminated timber, invites exploration and creativity within a thoughtfully designed space that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates a spiral form that maximizes both aesthetic appeal and spatial flow, allowing for natural movement throughout the building.
02
Charred wood cladding not only enhances the visual texture but also provides increased durability and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used throughout the structure, promoting sustainability while reducing the overall carbon footprint.
04
The bent A-frame design is specifically tailored to optimize natural light penetration and views, fostering a connection to the surrounding environment.
05
Interactive art spaces within the center are designed to evolve with community input, allowing for continuous adaptation and relevance.
The project presents a compelling approach to architecture, encapsulating the essence of creativity and individual expression through its unique design. At its core, this architectural endeavor represents the fluid nature of artistic creation, with a design concept inspired by the metaphor of ink flowing from a pen. This connection to artistic expression is both literal and metaphorical, as the architecture not only provides a space for creativity but also embodies creative processes through its form.

Functionally, the design serves multiple purposes, incorporating exhibition areas, communal spaces, and amenities such as a café. Designed to encourage interaction, the layout promotes engagement among visitors and community members, inviting them to experience the space not just as passive observers but as active participants. Each area is thoughtfully arranged to facilitate movement and exploration, reflecting the project's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

One of the most important aspects of this architectural design is its spiral configuration, which serves as a central unifying element. This form not only delivers a visual intrigue but also optimizes the building's internal flow, allowing for seamless transitions between floors and spaces. As one navigates through the building, the experience evolves, revealing a sequence of thoughtfully designed environments that inspire creativity and collaboration. The way in which the vertical space is utilized showcases a modern understanding of how architecture can influence behavioral patterns and social interactions within a built environment.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in defining the project’s architectural identity. The strategic use of glass ensures transparency and a connection to the surrounding landscape, while concrete provides the necessary structural stability. Wood introduces warmth, contrasting cleverly with other materials and fostering a welcoming atmosphere within the interior. Steel elements serve to support the dynamic form, contributing to the building's overall aesthetic while ensuring that it remains firmly grounded. This material palette emphasizes a dialogue between lightness and strength, integral to the design’s functionality and visual appeal.

Throughout the design process, unique approaches are evident, such as the integration of artistic installations reflective of local culture and creativity. The interior spaces have been laid out to encourage interaction, featuring areas specifically designed for collaboration and conversation. Lighting fixtures are thoughtfully placed to create an ambiance that evokes the notion of ink droplets, reinforcing the narrative thread that runs through the architectural concept.

In conveying the project's essence, attention is drawn to how architectural elements interact with their environment. By leveraging the design to create visual connections to the outdoors, the architecture enhances the user experience and situates the building as a landmark within its urban context. The careful orchestration of open spaces and private chambers allows for a multitude of activities, all while remaining cohesive under the overarching theme of artistic expression.

For a deeper understanding of this architectural design, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable insights into the innovative ideas that inform this thoughtful and engaging project. Each element of the design contributes to a broader narrative about space, creativity, and community engagement, making this an exemplary case of contemporary architecture.
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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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