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Acoustic Fabric and Recycled Planks Enclosed in a Nature-Inspired Dome for Community Reading

Author:
Asil Zureigat
Acoustic Fabric and Recycled Planks Enclosed in a Nature-Inspired Dome for Community Reading

Project in-detail

Enclosed in a nature-inspired dome crafted with acoustic fabric and recycled planks, the Book Exchange unit offers a communal reading space that harmonizes with its park setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Enclosed in a dome, the design enhances natural light and airflow.
02
The project features removable seating crafted from recycled wood planks.
03
Acoustic fabric reduces noise, fostering a quiet reading environment.
04
Rainwater redirection maintains sustainability and eco-friendliness.
05
The structure's form mimics tree branches, connecting it to its natural surroundings.

The proposed design creates an inviting space for open-air reading, situated within a park. The centerpiece is a domed structure named the Book Exchange unit, designed to blend the indoors and outdoors. This space aims to encourage community interaction while enhancing the experience of reading in nature.

Concept and Structure

The dome serves a dual purpose: providing shelter and creating a feeling of openness that reflects the vastness of the sky. Its shape is inspired by the natural world, mimicking the way tree branches extend outward. This design helps create a calming environment, making it a suitable place for both focused reading and social gatherings.

Functional Elements

Practical features include bicycle racks and outdoor seating, which allow visitors to use the space more freely. The seating arrangement accommodates four to five readers at a time, promoting comfort and conversation. These inclusions highlight the design's focus on accessibility and community use.

Sustainable Practices

The design incorporates sustainable elements, such as a rainwater redirection system and ventilation options. These features ensure that the Book Exchange unit remains operational in various weather conditions. By focusing on sustainability, the design aligns with contemporary best practices in architecture, striving to create a space that is responsible and helpful to the environment.

Materials

In terms of materials, acoustic fabric is used to reduce noise levels, which contributes to a focused reading atmosphere. Removable seating made from recycled wood planks emphasizes the commitment to sustainability while providing durable and functional spaces for users.

Positioned in a park, the domed structure allows people to engage with literature while enjoying the surroundings. The thoughtful design balances functionality and form, encouraging individuals to explore and connect with both the space and each other.

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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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