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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Openings Create A Community Hub Inspired by Thailand's Floating Markets

Author:
Eduardus Intan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Openings Create A Community Hub Inspired by Thailand's Floating Markets

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles enveloping expansive glass openings anchor a vibrant community hub that echoes the essence of Thailand's traditional floating markets.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing an organic aesthetic.
02
Expansive glass openings optimize natural light and visual connectivity to the landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Bent A-frame design promotes fluid circulation and mimics water movement.
05
Water features integrate environmental sustainability with aesthetic appeal.

## Overview

Located in Thailand, the Floating Hub is designed to reflect the spirit of the country's traditional floating markets while enhancing its position in the fashion industry. Situated in a transitional area bridging residential and commercial spaces, the facility aims to foster community interaction and cultural exchange. The architectural concept integrates water features, facilitating movement and enabling a spatial experience that resonates with the local heritage.

### Design Intent and Interaction

The design emphasizes a water-centric approach, with intentional pathways that stimulate navigation akin to floating. This circulation pattern encourages users to engage with various spaces, including exhibition areas, libraries, and commercial zones. The structure's layered organization and distinct functions cater to community needs, while the three entry points strategically link the surrounding urban context, enhancing accessibility and connectivity.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a critical role in the project. Wood is utilized for its aesthetic and durable qualities in exterior cladding, while extensive glass openings maximize natural light and create visual connections with the environment. Concrete provides structural integrity and stability throughout the design. Sustainability is also a priority; features such as rainwater recycling systems are incorporated for irrigation and cooling, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

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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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