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Charred Timber and Blue Resin Form a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Authors:
Isaac Michan, Omar Acevedo, Alan Eskildsen, Roman Vicenteño
Charred Timber and Blue Resin Form a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating a distinctive blue resin facade and charred timber elements, the cultural hub serves as a multifunctional space for community engagement, education, and production.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a waffle steel structure that supports adaptive interior spaces.
02
Charred timber is utilized for exterior cladding, promoting durability and aesthetics.
03
A unique blue resin coating distinguishes the new elements from the existing warehouse.
04
Glazing domes provide natural light while connecting interior spaces to the outdoors.
05
Suspended design features optimize the ground floor for public engagement activities.

### Overview

The Mango Vinyl Hub is situated in an industrial area and focuses on the adaptive reuse of an existing warehouse, transforming it into a multifunctional cultural and production space. The project emphasizes the integration of modern programming with historical structures, promoting a dialogue between past and present. It aims to revitalize the area by creating a community-centric facility that serves a variety of purposes including education, art, production, and public engagement.

### Structural Innovation and Materiality

The design employs a waffle steel structure that supports suspended elements, allowing for flexible spatial configurations without traditional load-bearing walls. A striking blue resin coating on these elements contrasts with the preserved brick and concrete of the original warehouse, contributing to a distinct aesthetic. Glazing domes are incorporated into the roof to enhance natural lighting, cultivating an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, a textured mesh enclosure acts as a protective layer while serving as a focal point, contributing to the overall spatial experience.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The ground floor is designed for production and public interaction, featuring dedicated areas for vinyl production alongside educational resources, a café, and exhibition zones. This layout fosters synergy between making and learning, encouraging community participation. The upper levels consist of interconnected spaces that include exhibition areas and coworking zones, arranged to promote exploration and social interaction. A fluid circulation model is achieved through integrated bridges and connections, directing movement throughout the facility while maintaining a dynamic engagement with the various programmed activities.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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