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Catenary Arches Integrating Community Spaces Into Natural Topography

Authors:
Gerard thomas Joson, Kiel Aranda, Amado magne ii Lopez, Karlson spencer Ty
Catenary Arches Integrating Community Spaces Into Natural Topography

Project in-detail

Utilizing compressive catenary arches to harmonize with the surrounding topography, the complex creates spaces that foster collaboration and artistic interaction among community members and visiting artists.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic catenary arches enhance structural aesthetics and function.
02
Volumetric slicing adapts to natural topography for fluid navigation.
03
Programmatic overlaps encourage spontaneous community interactions.
04
Phased development incorporates diverse facilities for multi-purpose use.
05
Integration of native vegetation enriches the overall site experience.

Artestructura is a new complex located in La Puebla de Fantova. It is designed for artists and community members to engage with each other and share their creativity. The design takes inspiration from the work of Antoni Gaudí, emphasizing sustainability and a close relationship with nature. The goal is to encourage collaboration and allow for a rich blend of cultural and social activities.

Structural Dynamics
The complex features a unique framework that uses both tension and compression in its arches. The first framework uses arches in tension, particularly in shared spaces like the coworking hub and workshops. This design choice maximizes the interior space, creating airy environments that invite collaboration. In contrast, compressive catenary arches are used in more private areas, fostering a sense of comfort and intimacy that enhances the experience for users.

Volumetric Slicing
By employing volumetric slicing, the design responds to the natural landscape. This technique creates various pathways throughout the site, encouraging exploration. Spaces are interconnected, guiding individuals through different environments while promoting interactions with both the buildings and the natural surroundings. The layout enriches the experience and provides a sense of adventure for those who use the complex.

Programmatic Intersections
The design ensures continuous interaction through overlapping programmatic spaces. The cultural program serves as a central hub that links various functions, allowing spaces to adapt to changing needs. This adaptability enables spontaneous activities and interactions among users, creating an environment that fosters artistic dialogue and community engagement.

Phased Development
The project unfolds in three phases. The first phase includes the coworking space, an existing Visitor's Heritage Center, hostel, workshop, pool, and plantation areas. The second phase introduces additional facilities, such as olive and almond seed storage and exhibition spaces. The final phase brings in lecture rooms, libraries, instructor offices, retirement homes, auto-sustainable farms, and areas for meditation and yoga, contributing to a well-rounded community experience.

Artestructura reflects an organized relationship between its various elements. The arching structures create interesting patterns of light and shadow. These features invite visitors to engage deeply with the space, making it not just a place to work but a vibrant hub for creativity and community interaction.

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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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