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Curvilinear Reading Space Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Charred Shingles

Authors:
Julia Wilson, Daphne Caron, Sarah Dey, Nicholas Doerschlag
Curvilinear Reading Space Crafted from Sustainable Timber and Charred Shingles

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and modular timber components, this flexible reading space adapts to community needs while fostering interaction and engagement through its curvilinear design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features a modular design that can be customized to fit various community contexts.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
The bent A-frame shape promotes a unique spatial experience and interaction.
05
Designed to accommodate both individual reading and community engagement activities.
The project "Blueprint: A Portable Reading Room" offers a fresh approach to community-based reading spaces through its modular design. This architectural endeavor aims to create adaptable environments for literacy and social engagement, addressing the need for accessible reading resources in diverse settings. The design promotes interaction among users, encouraging a culture of reading that extends beyond traditional walls.

The portable reading room is engineered for flexibility, allowing it to be configured in various layouts based on community preferences and spatial constraints. The modular components facilitate custom arrangements, enabling each installation to reflect the unique characteristics of its surrounding environment.

Community-Centric Design Principles

The architectural design emphasizes community involvement as a core principle. Unlike conventional libraries, which often occupy fixed locations, this project is designed to be deployed in different contexts, including parks, public squares, and indoor community centers. The reading room’s configuration can be adjusted to cater to both private reading experiences and collaborative group activities. This adaptability is essential, as it provides spaces that users can personalize, thereby increasing their sense of ownership and engagement with the library.

The materials chosen for the project also highlight important considerations for durability and sustainability. Wood, metal, and glass work together to form a cohesive structure that offers both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The selection of textiles enhances the comfort of seating areas and encourages users to linger, fostering deeper engagement with the literature available.

Innovative Spatial Arrangements

The design features a dynamic layout that employs a circular grid system of approximately 1 meter in diameter for each module, allowing for diverse assembly patterns. This unique organizational method results in a space that feels both open and inviting while providing distinct zones for different activities—reading, discussion, and even informal gatherings. The curvilinear forms soften the boundaries of the reading room, promoting a flowing experience that contrasts with more traditional, orthogonal library designs.

Additionally, the project incorporates interactive elements that encourage social interaction among users. The flexible arrangement of seating and shelving can accommodate a range of community events and user activities, from book clubs to educational workshops. This modular approach to library design facilitates varying levels of engagement, creating an environment where literacy can thrive in different social contexts.

Integration of Technology and Sustainability

Aspects of technology integration are present in the design, allowing for the incorporation of digital resources alongside physical books. This dual approach ensures that the reading room remains relevant in an increasingly digital world, providing users access to both traditional literature and modern technological resources.

Sustainability is a critical factor in the execution of the project. The choice of locally sourced materials aligns with eco-friendly practices, minimizing the environmental impact of the structure. This commitment to sustainable design not only supports the local economy but also serves as an educational tool for promoting environmental awareness within the community.

For further insights into "Blueprint: A Portable Reading Room," explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that illustrate the project's full potential. Engaging with these elements can deepen your understanding of its functional and aesthetic significance in fostering community literacy and interaction.
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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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