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Biophilic Design Featuring Reclaimed Timber and Green Roofing for Sustainable Community Engagement

Author:
Lucie Kratochvilova
Biophilic Design Featuring Reclaimed Timber and Green Roofing for Sustainable Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Showcasing a green roof and walls of reclaimed timber, the pavilion serves as a dynamic community space for education and engagement in environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion incorporates a living green roof that supports local biodiversity and enhances stormwater management.
02
Built with reclaimed timber, the structure minimizes waste and reflects sustainable resource practices.
03
Flexible interior spaces are designed for adaptive reuse, accommodating various community events and educational programs.
04
Large, low-emission glass panels promote natural light while blending indoor and outdoor environments seamlessly.
05
The design features permeable paving, reducing runoff and allowing for natural water absorption on-site.
The architectural project titled "Eco Pavilion," located in San Francisco, California, exemplifies a thoughtful integration of sustainable design principles with community-oriented functions. Designed by XYZ Architects, this structure serves as a multifunctional space that aims to foster environmental awareness and promote public engagement with sustainability initiatives. The Eco Pavilion operates not only as a community hub, but also as a platform for educational programs, workshops, and exhibitions focused on ecological stewardship.

The Eco Pavilion represents a shift towards a more sustainable architectural practice, emphasizing harmony between built environments and the natural world. The design aims to actively engage visitors, providing an inviting atmosphere where individuals can connect with nature and learn about sustainable practices in an urban setting. By situating the pavilion within the lush landscape of Golden Gate Park, the architects have taken full advantage of the surrounding ecological context, blending the building seamlessly into its environment.

One of the key functional aspects of the Eco Pavilion is its flexible spatial arrangement. The design incorporates a variety of spaces that can adapt to different community needs. The central atrium serves as the heart of the building, offering a bright, airy space that encourages informal gatherings and community events. Surrounding this atrium are multiple rooms designated for workshops and exhibits, all designed to facilitate a dynamic flow of people and ideas. The pavilion’s accessibility and thoughtful layout promote interaction, making it a welcoming space for visitors of all ages.

The unique design approach of the Eco Pavilion lies in its commitment to biophilic design principles. The architects have carefully considered how the building interacts with its surroundings, utilizing materials and forms that resonate with nature. The outer façade is constructed from reclaimed timber and low-emission glass, which not only provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also contributes to the building's environmental performance. By ensuring ample natural light enters the space, the design reduces reliance on artificial lighting, thus further aligning with sustainable practice.

The architects have also opted for a green roof system that integrates plant life into the building structure, promoting biodiversity while offering insulation benefits. This green roofing not only beautifies the pavilion but also aids in managing rainwater runoff, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable ecosystems. The combination of permeable pavers around the site enhances water absorption and minimizes surface runoff, supporting the environmental integrity of the surrounding parkland.

Materials selected for the Eco Pavilion include reclaimed timber, low-emission glass, concrete with recycled aggregates, and steel framing. Each of these components offers a dual benefit: functional performance alongside an environmentally conscious ethos. The use of reclaimed materials directly reduces waste and reflects a responsible approach to resource use. Low-emission glass ensures that the building remains energy efficient while maximizing occupant comfort through natural light, and the concrete incorporates recycled aggregates to further minimize the carbon footprint of the construction process.

Unique to the Eco Pavilion is its role in broadening the scope of community engagement with environmental issues. It serves as more than just a physical structure; it positions itself as an educational resource aimed at inspiring visitors to think critically about sustainability in their daily lives. The architectural design is not only a response to the immediate needs of the community but also a statement encouraging a broader conversation about ecological responsibility.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural philosophies and effective practices employed in the Eco Pavilion, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the innovative ideas that shaped this striking project. The Eco Pavilion stands as an articulate example of how modern architecture can facilitate community interaction while adhering to the core tenets of sustainability and ecological design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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