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Geodesic Dome Crafted with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Community Engagement

Authors:
Tom Manwell, Laiz Cogo, Negin Hanjani
Geodesic Dome Crafted with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Showcasing a geodesic dome design constructed from cross-laminated timber and adorned with charred wooden shingles, this community space emphasizes connectivity and sustainability, providing an adaptable environment for various gatherings and activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced cross-laminated timber, enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles, providing natural weather resistance and a unique aesthetic finish.
03
Features a geodesic dome structure that maximizes interior space while promoting natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design, allowing for flexible interior layouts suited to various community activities.
05
Surrounded by a native plant garden, fostering local biodiversity and enriching the user experience.
The Spiral Community Zone is a thoughtfully conceived architectural project that emphasizes the principles of sustainability, community interaction, and a deep connection to nature. This design features a geodesic dome structure characterized by a series of intricately arranged hexagonal forms, representing not just an architectural statement, but a commitment to fostering social ties within a community setting.

The project is designed to serve as a multi-functional space where various activities can occur, from community gatherings to workshops and wellness classes. At its core, the project aims to create an environment that encourages collaboration and promotes a sense of belonging among individuals. The architectural design is carefully oriented to enhance natural light while facilitating smooth airflow throughout the interior, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for all users.

A significant aspect of the Spiral Community Zone is its integration with the surrounding landscape. Large windows encapsulate views of the natural environment, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior. The gentle slope of the roof is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, allowing efficient rainwater management that supports the site's ecological needs. The use of local materials, such as cross-laminated timber, weather-treated plywood panels, and shale stone, ensures that the structure resonates with the cultural and environmental context of its location.

Inside, the layout is intentionally fluid, featuring a central fire pit that acts as a focal point for social engagement. This gathering space is surrounded by flexible seating arrangements, allowing for adaptability in usage. Natural ventilation is a key consideration in the design, with strategically placed operable windows and roof vents that promote airflow, reducing dependence on artificial climate control solutions. The selection of earth-toned timber for the flooring creates warmth while aligning with the overall vision of minimal environmental impact.

What sets this project apart is its conceptual grounding in sacred geometry, which informs both its structural integrity and spatial organization. The circular design promotes inclusivity and a sense of harmony, encouraging user interaction within the communal space. Elements are thoughtfully arranged to address the five fundamental elements—air, earth, fire, ether, and water—reflecting the design's focus on organic connections among these aspects.

Moreover, the incorporation of pathways lined with gravel guides visitors through gardens filled with native plants, reinforcing biodiversity while enriching the sensory experience of the site. Each detail within the Spiral Community Zone is designed with intention, fostering relationships not only among people but also between individuals and their natural surroundings.

In summary, the Spiral Community Zone stands as a compelling example of contemporary architecture that prioritizes community well-being, ecological sustainability, and aesthetic harmony. This project invites readers to delve deeper into its architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas to appreciate the rich details and principles guiding its development. By exploring the comprehensive project presentation, one can uncover the nuances that make this architectural endeavor a significant contribution to modern community spaces.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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