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Exploring Cross-Laminated Timber And Charred Shingles In A Community-Centric Workspace Design

Authors:
Yan Jun Chin, Xue Peng
Exploring Cross-Laminated Timber And Charred Shingles In A Community-Centric Workspace Design

Project in-detail

Cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles come together to form a flexible workspace that prioritizes community engagement while enhancing natural light and fostering collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
The central courtyard serves as a dynamic hub for social interaction and collaborative events.
02
Sustainable materials include locally sourced cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light while reducing energy consumption.
04
Modular workspace layouts allow for easy reconfiguration based on team needs.
05
Integrated acoustic solutions ensure optimal sound management in shared areas.
The architectural design project "Belonging Workspace," located in Berlin, is an innovative solution for modern workspace environments, addressing the dynamics of remote and hybrid working. This project emphasizes the importance of connectivity, flexibility, and community, creating a functional design that promotes both individual productivity and collaborative engagement. It aims to foster a culture of belonging, allowing diverse employee needs to be met through strategic spatial organization.

The overall concept revolves around a circular layout that encourages fluid movement and interaction among various zones. The central courtyard serves as a focal point, enhancing connectivity and facilitating both social encounters and collaborative opportunities. The use of natural light is maximized through extensive glass facades, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments while contributing to energy efficiency. The workspace integrates private and communal areas, providing options for focused work and team collaboration.

Thoughtful material selection plays a significant role in the project. Timber is extensively used for structural elements, promoting warmth and a sustainable approach to construction. Glass enhances visibility and openness, while acoustic curtains address sound management in shared areas without compromising aesthetic integrity. Concrete forms the foundational elements, ensuring durability and structural integrity.

Unique Design Approaches

A distinctive element of the "Belonging Workspace" is its adaptability. Spaces are designed to be flexible, able to reconfigure based on user requirements, which is critical in today’s evolving work landscape. Dedicated workspaces for remote employees and larger collaborative zones for on-site employees coexist seamlessly, allowing for dynamic use of space. This adaptability promotes a culture of collaboration, with communal areas designed for networking and team-building, contributing to employee satisfaction and creativity.

The integration of green terraces is another important aspect of the project. These outdoor spaces not only enhance the aesthetic quality but also promote well-being and contribute to the overall environmental sustainability of the building. The interplay of landscaping with architectural elements creates a harmonious balance between nature and the built environment.

Focus on Community Engagement

Community engagement is at the heart of this design. The central courtyard acts as a communal hub, fostering social interactions and public discourse. This approach is vital for building a culture of belonging, as it encourages employees to connect and collaborate outside of traditional working hours. Design elements such as networking stations and open seating arrangements facilitate informal meetings and discussions, reinforcing the importance of interpersonal relationships in a work environment.

The "Belonging Workspace" demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can influence workplace dynamics. By creating a space that prioritizes inclusivity, flexibility, and community, this design addresses the complex needs of modern work culture.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural design and explore the intricacies of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and ideas, readers are encouraged to examine the project presentation in detail.
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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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