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Canopy Structure Enhances Community Space With Local Stone And Sustainable Wood

Author:
Romain Jacques K Russe
Canopy Structure Enhances Community Space With Local Stone And Sustainable Wood

Project in-detail

A canopy structure made from sustainable wood forms a unique shading feature over a central swimming pool, while local stone integrates the facility into its historic context, creating a vibrant communal space in the heart of Fez.
5 key facts about this project
01
A canopy structure mimicking natural forms provides shaded areas for users while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
02
Local stone is utilized for walls, fostering a strong connection with the historic context of Fez.
03
The design incorporates passive cooling techniques to improve comfort in the region's climate.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the architecture, promoting sustainability.
05
An organic layout encourages community interaction with open, inviting spaces around the central pool.

### Project Overview
Located at the entrance of the Medina of Fez, Morocco, the development aims to revitalize a vacant lot into a multifunctional swimming pool and public space. The intent is to create a communal area that integrates swimming facilities, public zones, and residential units while respecting the architectural heritage of the region.

### Architectural Layout
The design features an organic configuration characterized by irregularly shaped blocks, reflecting the principles of traditional Moroccan architecture and promoting harmony with the surrounding environment. A central swimming pool serves as the focal point of the space, accompanied by leisure and relaxation areas that foster community engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The construction employs a thoughtful selection of materials: local stone provides structural integrity, while wood introduces warmth and a natural aesthetic. Extensive use of glass enhances daylighting and promotes connectivity with the outdoor environment. The canopy design resembles trees, enhancing shade and ventilation, and incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, aligning with sustainable design practices. Furthermore, brise-soleils offer sun protection, contributing to user comfort and minimizing energy consumption.

### Community and Cultural Context
Promoting social interaction, the layout encourages engagement among community members and visitors, with transparent facades and open areas that embody the inclusiveness prevalent in Moroccan culture. Positioned strategically within the Medina, the project functions as a gateway that honors local traditions while facilitating a dialogue between historical and contemporary design elements. The careful integration of the structure into its urban fabric enhances visibility and draws interest from both residents and tourists, enriching the overall urban tapestry of Fez.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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