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Textured Facades and Flexible Spaces in a Community Retreat Built with Sustainable Materials

Author:
Walter Leone
Textured Facades and Flexible Spaces in a Community Retreat Built with Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and textured facades define a multifunctional community retreat that seamlessly integrates artist studios and exhibition spaces within the urban landscape of Bangkok.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while creating a unique exterior aesthetic.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes structural stability and allows for flexible interior spaces.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for rapid construction and sustainable building practices.
04
An internal courtyard fosters community interaction and natural light throughout the facility.
05
The facility incorporates adaptable exhibition spaces for varied artistic presentations and events.

## Overview

Located within the dynamic urban environment of Bangkok, Thailand, the Bangkok Artists Retreat is designed to serve as both a cultural hub and a residential space for artists. The intent is to create a facility that supports diverse artistic practices while promoting engagement with the local community. The architectural design emphasizes connectivity and accessibility, encouraging interactions between the building’s inhabitants and the surrounding neighborhood.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The project features a seven-story layout that incorporates open-plan spaces, facilitating pedestrian movement from the main street to the rear alley. This design choice enhances accessibility and fosters community engagement. The ground floor includes a cultural and commercial block with reception areas and workshops, while exhibition spaces extend into an underground area, offering inviting venues for art displays. The adaptable second floor can serve as either an exhibition area or a conference venue, accommodating various artistic needs. Internal courtyards act as connectors among different levels, facilitating interaction between artists and visitors.

### Material and Aesthetic Considerations

Material selection is a critical aspect of the project, impacting both durability and visual appeal. Concrete is used for structural elements and aesthetic walls, providing an industrial character. In contrast, wood enriches areas such as the café and courtyards, promoting warmth and an inviting atmosphere. Extensive use of glass enhances transparency, allowing natural light into the spaces while providing views into activity areas. Steel forms the structural framework, ensuring robustness, while textured facades are applied to external walls to create visual interest through light interaction. This meticulous approach to materiality contributes to an atmosphere that underscores creativity and community 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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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