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Asymmetrical Forms Enhanced by Textured Concrete and Natural Light in a Multi-Functional Community Space

Authors:
Maria Dushina, Aleksey Kotlyarskiy
Asymmetrical Forms Enhanced by Textured Concrete and Natural Light in a Multi-Functional Community Space

Project in-detail

Textured concrete and asymmetrical forms converge to create an engaging multi-functional space that fosters community interaction while seamlessly integrating natural light and landscaping elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete creates a tactile facade that mimics natural rock formations.
02
Asymmetrical shapes enhance spatial flow and visual interest throughout the building.
03
Integrated gardens promote biodiversity while providing serene indoor environments.
04
Natural light is optimized through extensive glazing and strategically placed skylights.
05
A dual-purpose ramp serves both circulation and exhibition needs, fostering interaction.

### Project Overview
The Grotto is situated in a dynamic urban environment characterized by mixed-use developments. The design approach emphasizes the integration of the built environment with its natural surroundings, utilizing innovative forms and materials that promote interaction and exploration among users.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Outcomes
The multi-level configuration includes distinct zones that serve various community functions. An entrance square serves as the primary gathering point, welcoming visitors into the building. Adjacent to this space are the café and main hall, which prioritize social engagement and community interaction. Additionally, multi-functional halls are designed to accommodate diverse activities, including exhibitions, performances, and installations, allowing for flexible layouts tailored to specific events.

### Material and Design Elements
A modernist material palette is employed throughout the project, featuring reinforced concrete for structural integrity and organic texture, alongside expansive glass façades that facilitate natural light and provide views of the surrounding area. The integration of organic landscaping elements enhances indoor biodiversity, connecting users to the external environment. The architectural composition includes asymmetrical forms inspired by natural rock formations, while the interior is enhanced by features such as skylights and water elements, which contribute both aesthetically and psychologically to the user experience. A distinctive ramp functions as both circulation and exhibition space, fostering movement and visual continuity within the structure.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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