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Mortise and Tenon Community Spaces Crafted from Wood

Author:
Xian Zhang
Mortise and Tenon Community Spaces Crafted from Wood

Project in-detail

Crafted through the traditional mortise and tenon technique, the design integrates modular wooden units that allow for flexible and participatory community gathering spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafts community gathering spaces using traditional mortise and tenon joinery.
02
Features modular units that can be reconfigured for various activities.
03
Encourages user participation in the assembly process.
04
Emphasizes sustainability through easy disassembly and component reuse.
05
Integrates cultural significance by connecting users to traditional building methods.

The architectural design presents a noteworthy interpretation of traditional construction techniques, primarily through the use of the mortise and tenon joint system, a method with deep roots in Chinese architecture. Located in a setting that promotes community interaction, the design serves various functions, such as food courts, stages, and areas for relaxation. The overall concept is centered on modularity and participation, inviting individuals to play a role in shaping their environment.

Modularity and Flexibility

The structure is composed of identical units that fit together using the mortise and tenon technique. This modular design allows for a wide range of configurations, enabling spaces to be adjusted to meet different needs. The flexibility of the design makes it suitable for hosting diverse activities, enhancing user experience by accommodating both large events and intimate gatherings.

User Engagement and Participation

A key aspect of the design is its emphasis on community involvement through a hands-on assembly process. Users are encouraged to actively contribute, turning the act of construction into a shared experience. This participation not only strengthens the emotional connection to the space but also fosters a sense of shared ownership among those involved, enhancing community bonds.

Sustainability through Reconfiguration

The project highlights sustainability by facilitating easy disassembly and reconfiguration of its components. This feature reduces material waste and encourages the reuse of elements beyond their original purpose. After events, participants can keep individual pieces as mementos, linking their personal memories to the structure and further tying the architectural space to individual experiences.

The mortise and tenon technique provides strong structural integrity while remaining visually appealing. The traditional craftsmanship blends well with contemporary needs, resulting in a space that supports functionality and holds cultural significance. As wooden components come together, they evoke feelings of shared experiences and memories, creating an inviting setting for interaction and engagement.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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