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Curvilinear Community Space Crafted From Cross-Laminated Timber With Textured Natural Finishes

Author:
Hoang Pham
Curvilinear Community Space Crafted From Cross-Laminated Timber With Textured Natural Finishes

Project in-detail

Crafted with cross-laminated timber and textured natural finishes, this curvilinear community space creates an inviting environment for social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a unique curvilinear shape that promotes natural light and creates an inviting atmosphere.
04
Emphasizes dry wood-to-wood connections, allowing for easy disassembly and adaptability.
05
Includes a two-tiered seating arrangement designed to foster community interaction and engagement.
The project, known as "A Timber Bowl," embodies a thoughtful approach to architectural design that emphasizes sustainability and the inherent beauty of natural materials. This structure represents a modern response to ecological concerns, harnessing cross-laminated timber (CLT) as its primary building material. By integrating innovative construction techniques and a straightforward aesthetic, the project aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

At its core, the design serves multiple functions, designed not just as a physical space but as a communal gathering area. The rounded, bowl-like form provides a welcoming atmosphere conducive to interactions and activities, fostering community connections within a tranquil setting. The architect's decision to utilize a diameter of seven meters allows for ample interior space while simultaneously maintaining a cozy and intimate feel. This attention to scale highlights the project's intent to create a space that feels inviting rather than imposing.

The aesthetic of the "A Timber Bowl" reflects a deliberate simplicity influenced by nature and traditional craftsmanship. The materiality of the structure plays a critical role in its design and function. The use of cross-laminated timber imparts warmth and offers a tactile quality that enhances the user experience. Each layer of the wood is configured to improve strength while respecting environmental considerations, allowing the building to act as a carbon sink and promoting a sustainable approach to architecture. The exterior features a textured finish that mimics the appearance of tree bark, creating a visual connection to its natural surroundings.

The design employs modular construction techniques, with prefabricated timber components that enhance not only the efficiency of assembly but also the adaptability of the space. This modularity can simplify future reconfigurations or relocations, supporting sustainability through resourcefulness. The dry wood-to-wood connections further exemplify the project's innovative design approach. This technique emphasizes ease of assembly while minimizing reliance on adhesives or complex fasteners, thus facilitating future repairs and modifications.

Inside the structure, careful attention to details supports the overall user experience. The choice of natural wood finishes allows the beauty of the grain to shine through, providing a serene backdrop for gatherings. The two-tiered seating arrangement integrates seamlessly into the overall design, encouraging social interaction among users. By designing spaces that anticipate the dynamics of community engagement, the project illustrates a contemporary understanding of the role architecture plays in everyday life.

The "A Timber Bowl" stands out due to its unique balance of form and function while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Its adaptable nature and sustainable construction methods serve as practical solutions for modern architectural challenges. As an example of how timber can be utilized effectively in design, this project emphasizes the importance of aligning architecture with ecological principles.

For a deeper exploration of this architectural endeavor, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative architectural ideas, readers are encouraged to engage with the project presentation. Doing so will provide additional insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped this architecture, further illustrating its strengths and functionalities within the context of contemporary design.
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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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