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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.

### Overview

The Golden Forest Museum is located in Mangahurco, Ecuador, and aims to create a space that integrates architectural design with the region's natural environment and cultural heritage. The museum focuses on environmental education and conservation, addressing key issues of biodiversity while inviting community interaction and engagement with the local ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the cyclical nature of the forest's life, the design reflects the interplay between architecture and the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural layout features a visitor center situated at an elevated point to provide panoramic views of the forest. This center serves as the primary entry point, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The design incorporates various exhibition spaces designed for both permanent and temporary displays, catering to a wide range of educational experiences. Pathways facilitate efficient circulation, enhancing accessibility and promoting visitor interaction throughout different areas of the museum.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability, featuring locally sourced concrete for its structural integrity, wood for its warming qualities, and extensive use of glass to maximize natural light and maintain visual connections with the outdoor environment. Solar panels have been integrated to harness renewable energy, while rainwater harvesting systems have been designed to enhance ecological balance and reduce reliance on external resources. The landscaping complements the architecture, incorporating native vegetation and water features to foster biodiversity and deepen the connection between visitors and nature.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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