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Canopy Structure Featuring Solar Panels and Native Vegetation for Community Environmental Education

Author:
Pamela Lissette Coloma Munoz
Canopy Structure Featuring Solar Panels and Native Vegetation for Community Environmental Education

Project in-detail

A distinctive canopy structure crafted from locally sourced wood and integrated solar panels forms the centerpiece of an educational museum dedicated to fostering community engagement and awareness of local biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while providing engaging interior spaces.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer natural fire resistance and unique aesthetic appeal.
04
Interactive exhibits designed to educate visitors on local biodiversity and conservation practices.
05
Integrated solar panels support a sustainable energy model for the museum.
The Golden Forest Museum is an architectural project located in Mangahurco, Ecuador, designed to serve as a center for environmental education and conservation. The museum aims to raise awareness about local biodiversity while providing a platform for community engagement. Its design reflects a deep respect for the surrounding ecological context, incorporating sustainability as a core principle.

The project features several key spaces: a visitor center, exhibition areas, community gathering spaces, and landscaped pathways. The visitor center is positioned strategically to offer views of the surrounding forest, creating a welcoming entry point. Exhibition spaces are adaptable, designed to host both permanent and temporary exhibits that resonate with the themes of nature and conservation. Community facilities allow for workshops and events, reinforcing the museum's role as a community resource.

Unique Design Approaches

The Golden Forest Museum employs several innovative design principles that set it apart from conventional museum structures. The architectural concept is inspired by the natural forms and structures found in the forest. This approach is evident in the museum's canopy design, which not only provides shelter but also enhances the visitor experience by creating dynamic spaces that interact with the environment.

Sustainability is a defining feature of the project. The implementation of solar panels supports the museum's energy needs, while water harvesting systems mitigate environmental impact. These elements are integrated within the architecture rather than being retrofitted, ensuring cohesive design that prioritizes sustainability from the outset.

The use of local materials such as concrete, wood, and glass contributes to the museum's contextual relevance while supporting local economies. The material choices enhance the visual connection to the natural landscape, creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding forest.

Architectural Details

Architectural sections illustrate the thoughtful spatial organization within the museum, showcasing relationships between different areas and their respective functions. These sections highlight the interplay of light and interior spaces, emphasizing the importance of natural illumination and ventilation in the design.

The landscaping surrounding the museum is carefully planned to create engaging pathways and green spaces that promote biodiversity. By including native vegetation, the design reinforces the educational purpose of the museum, immersing visitors in the local ecological narrative.

For more details on the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Golden Forest Museum, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. A closer examination of the architectural ideas behind this project reveals its commitment to integrating education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship into a cohesive design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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