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Curvilinear Form With Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Design for Community Gathering Spaces

Authors:
Saman Saffarian, Adam Unger, Thomas Samuel Blight, Tereza UngerovÁ
Curvilinear Form With Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Design for Community Gathering Spaces

Project in-detail

With its gracefully curvilinear form wrapped in charred wooden shingles, the design integrates natural lighting and sustainable materials to create a vibrant community hub for gathering and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability and aesthetic flow.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels that promote rapid assembly and sustainability.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles that offer weather resistance and a unique texture.
04
Integrates green roofs to support local biodiversity and improve insulation.
05
Prioritizes passive solar design to maximize natural daylight while minimizing energy consumption.
This architectural design project represents a thoughtful exploration of spatial dynamics and community functionality, embodying an interplay between modern design principles and the surrounding environment. Situated in a context that emphasizes both natural beauty and urban vitality, the project serves as a hub for social interaction while ensuring a seamless connection with its landscape.

The design operates on several levels, prioritizing open, adaptable spaces that encourage collaboration and community engagement. With a focus on multifunctionality, the project hosts various activities that cater to diverse populations, creating an inclusive environment. The architecture incorporates flexible spaces that can be used for events, exhibitions, and daily gatherings, thereby fostering a sense of ownership among local users. This aspect of the design reflects current trends in architecture that emphasize the importance of social cohesion and user-oriented spaces.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this project, as it establishes a dialogue between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The architects have chosen sustainable materials that not only minimize the environmental footprint but also strengthen the tactile qualities of the structure. The use of locally sourced timber, for example, resonates with the regional vernacular and enhances the project's warmth and accessibility. Additionally, innovative approaches to glass and concrete contribute to the transparency and lightness of the design, allowing natural light to permeate deeper into the interior spaces while maintaining thermal efficiency.

Key architectural features of the project include expansive windows that frame captivating views of the landscape, creating a constant visual connection between the interior and exterior. These windows invite natural light while also promoting energy efficiency, as they capitalize on passive solar gain. The integration of green roofs exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, providing insulation and reducing urban heat while promoting biodiversity through a planted area that can be enjoyed by occupants.

Furthermore, the circulation within the building is designed to flow intuitively, with clearly defined pathways that guide users through various programmatic zones. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces ensures that each area complements the others, facilitating spontaneous interactions and navigational ease. The use of soft curves and organic shapes in certain sections of the design reinforces this sense of movement and invites exploration, enhancing the overall user experience.

The project's roofline reflects a unique architectural approach, featuring undulating forms that mimic the nearby hills, creating a visual harmony with the topography. This strategy not only reinforces the connection to the site but also enhances the project's identity, allowing it to stand out while still feeling integral to its setting.

Attention to detail is evident in various design elements, from custom light fixtures that offer an artistic touch to the formal architecture, to furniture that is integrated into the design, ensuring cohesive aesthetics throughout. The colors and textures have been carefully selected to create a calming environment, inviting users to engage fully with the space.

This architectural endeavor offers a remarkable case study in how design can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, resulting in a structure that is both pragmatic and inspiring. By blending robust material choices with innovative design solutions, the project not only meets its intended use but enhances the quality of life for its users and the surrounding community.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of this project, examining the architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements can provide further insights into the thought processes and methodologies employed throughout the design development. Such an investigation reveals the nuanced considerations that contribute to the success of this architectural work and encourages a richer understanding of its contribution to contemporary architecture and community dynamics.
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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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