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Central Core of Stability with Dynamic Spaces for Community Interaction

Author:
Cristian ion Ene
Central Core of Stability with Dynamic Spaces for Community Interaction

Project in-detail

The substantial structural core provides essential stability while supporting open areas designed for community gatherings and activities, promoting interaction and flexibility within a thoughtfully organized environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central structural core anchors the design and facilitates essential functions.
02
Open areas are designed for diverse community activities and gatherings.
03
Thick walls provide stability, while thin pillars enhance spatial openness.
04
Careful spatial organization promotes both interaction and privacy.
05
Thoughtful arrangement reflects the principles of IKIGAI for user engagement.

The architectural design embodies the concept of IKIGAI, focusing on the idea of leading a meaningful life. It is situated in a context that encourages community and interaction, serving various functions while highlighting the role of space in creating connections. The design promotes inner stability, aiming for a balance between structure and flexibility that is accessible to all.

Structural Core

At the heart of the design is a substantial structural core that defines the building’s essential functions. This core is crucial in shaping the overall layout, providing stability and support. Surrounding this central element, open areas have been purposefully created to host a range of activities. This approach emphasizes adaptability, allowing the space to meet the changing needs of its users.

Spatial Dynamics

The project features a deliberate contrast between thick and thin structural elements. The thick walls provide security and a feeling of grounding, while the thin pillars help to create a light and open environment. This blend of strength and openness not only enhances the project's visual character but also encourages a rich spatial experience that facilitates movement and interaction.

User Experience

The configuration of the building reflects a deep understanding of how physical spaces can affect social behavior and relationships. By prioritizing open areas for gatherings and activities, the design fosters a sense of community. The arrangement allows people to move fluidly around the central core, promoting connections while also providing moments of privacy. This balance responds thoughtfully to the diverse needs of those who will use the space.

Design Detail

A notable feature of the design is the careful organization of spaces that support meaningful interactions. The thoughtful distribution of volume emphasizes the relationship between the structural core and its surroundings. This layout crafts an environment that resonates with the principles of IKIGAI, shaping a setting conducive to both reflection and connection. Each element of the space invites occupants to engage with their surroundings and with one another.

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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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