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Aluminum Ceiling Tiles and Aluminum Features in a Community-Focused Gathering Space

Authors:
Magdalena Kraska, Aleksandra Kugacka
Aluminum Ceiling Tiles and Aluminum Features in a Community-Focused Gathering Space

Project in-detail

With its thoughtful integration of aluminum ceiling tiles and a focus on community interaction, the design serves as a multifunctional hub that enhances cultural engagement and promotes wellness among users.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates aluminum ceiling tiles that enhance natural light while minimizing glare.
02
Outdoor spaces are strategically planned for both activities and relaxation, promoting health and wellness.
03
Large south-facing windows optimize passive solar heating and daylighting throughout the building.
04
The structure emphasizes connections with local suppliers to support healthy diets and community engagement.
05
Adaptable shading systems respond dynamically to varying weather conditions for user comfort.

The design draws inspiration from Icelandic culture and landscapes, situated in a region known for its unique natural features. The building functions as a community hub that encourages interaction and promotes cultural exchange. The concept blends sustainability with a strong connection to local identity, reflected in its arrangement and spatial planning.

Sustainability and Performance

A ‘fabric first’ approach underpins the design, focusing on the effectiveness of the building's essential components prior to mechanical or electrical systems being added. This method enhances energy efficiency and helps minimize the ecological impact. The design includes adaptable shading systems that react to changing weather, allowing for natural ventilation and creating comfortable indoor conditions.

Community Engagement

The principles focus on vibrant communal areas that promote social interaction. A local harvest initiative connects users to suppliers committed to providing healthy food. An exhibition space is incorporated into the layout, facilitating cultural activities and allowing visitors to engage with local traditions and artistic expressions.

Interior Environment

Natural light plays a significant role, achieved through well-placed south-facing windows. This design choice enhances daylight within the building and provides passive solar heating, which contributes to occupant comfort while lowering energy demands. The use of aluminum ceiling tiles improves lighting conditions by reflecting light properly, ensuring a visually pleasant and functional indoor atmosphere.

Integrated Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor areas are included for activities and relaxation, reinforcing the link between the building and its natural surroundings. These spaces are intentionally planned to promote health and well-being among users. Water-saving features align with contemporary standards for sustainability and enhance the facility's overall efficiency.

A wide terrace extends to overlook the landscape, offering moments for users to pause and appreciate the natural scenery, grounding the design in its environment while fostering a sense of community.

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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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