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Bioluminescent Materials and Organic Forms in Community Living Spaces

Author:
Bianca Carague
Bioluminescent Materials and Organic Forms in Community Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Integrating bioluminescent materials and organic forms, this community space fosters a harmonious connection to nature while providing versatile living and working environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bioluminescent materials illuminate the building, creating dynamic lighting that changes with natural light conditions.
02
Organic forms integrate with the landscape, reducing visual impact and enhancing ecological connectivity.
03
Sunken gathering spaces encourage community interaction while offering natural sound insulation.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability and sustainability through efficient use of resources.
05
The design incorporates traditional cultural motifs, reflecting the local heritage within a modern context.

The "Calmaverse: The Seed" project presents a conceptual design that merges technology with nature, creating a cohesive environment that reflects Southeast Asian cultural values. The architecture is envisioned as a tranquil oasis within the metaverse, emphasizing the importance of growth and ecological balance. The project integrates various interconnected spaces, each dedicated to different functions that foster community living, work, and interaction with the surrounding landscape.

The architectural design incorporates three primary spaces: living, work, and meeting areas. The living space consists of a central living ring and several smaller rings, promoting both shared and private experiences within a natural setting. The work space, defined by main and minor pads, supports creative collaboration while ensuring a connection to the environment. The meeting space features sunken areas that encourage dialogue, further enhancing community engagement.

This project distinguishes itself through its integration of bioluminescent materials and organic shapes that resonate with the natural environment. The use of earthy textures is intentional, aiming to create a tactile connection between inhabitants and their surroundings. Aspects such as the central waterfall and abundant greenery are not merely aesthetic; they serve a functional purpose in maintaining ecological balance and providing a restorative atmosphere.

The design adopts a narrative-driven approach, allowing architecture to reflect cultural heritage while addressing contemporary technological influences. This bridging of past and future is central to the vision, creating a unique architectural statement that promotes sustainable living. The layout and orientation of spaces are strategically planned to ensure that they coalesce with the natural elements, fostering a harmonious existence.

An essential component of the project is the "Swell," a metaphorical river that symbolizes the continuity of life and connection to nature. This feature serves as a visual and acoustic element that enhances the overall sensory experience of the space, reiterating the values of nurture and care embedded in the design.

By exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of "Calmaverse: The Seed," readers can gain deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that define this project. The careful consideration of materiality, spatial organization, and cultural narrative provides a comprehensive understanding of the how this project addresses the contemporary challenges of living within a technologically advanced environment.

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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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