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Chlorine-Dyed Fabrics and Aluminium Frames Enhance Community Living in Eikenhof Residence

Authors:
Kimal Osman, Chinenye Chukwuka, Saalihah Kolia, Zubair Meeah
Chlorine-Dyed Fabrics and Aluminium Frames Enhance Community Living in Eikenhof Residence

Project in-detail

Chlorine-dyed fabrics and strategically placed aluminium frames create a vibrant and inviting community dwelling in Eikenhof, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living for a refreshing take on modern residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates chlorine-dyed fabrics, enhancing aesthetic vibrancy while promoting sustainable practices.
02
Aluminium frames are utilized to create a lightweight structure, allowing for expansive views and natural light.
03
The design emphasizes fluid spatial connections, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere for social interactions.
04
Careful consideration of local cultural elements informs the architectural language, establishing a strong sense of place.
05
Natural ventilation strategies optimize air circulation, ensuring comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
This architectural project, rooted in the neighborhood of Eikenhof in Johannesburg South, South Africa, embodies a thoughtful and engaging approach to design that emphasizes harmony between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The project presents a unique architectural vision that encourages interaction between space and color while fostering a strong connection to the local landscape.

At its core, this project represents an exploration of the relationships individuals have with their environments. It addresses how architecture can influence emotional well-being and daily experiences by creating spaces infused with natural light and a careful selection of colors. The design is conceived not merely as a structure but as a living entity that breathes life into the community, making it more than just a place to inhabit; it becomes part of a dialogue between its inhabitants and their surroundings.

The primary function of this design is to serve as a residential dwelling. However, it transcends typical residential architecture by integrating communal areas that promote social interactions among occupants. This communal aspect encourages a sense of togetherness, reflecting a more contemporary view on living spaces that prioritize sharing and community engagement.

The design is characterized by a fluid layout, allowing for free movement and facilitating a sense of openness. Each room is thoughtfully arranged to maximize both utility and comfort, with spaces designed to adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants. Large windows strategically positioned throughout the property enhance natural ventilation and light infiltration, connecting residents with the outdoor environment while providing expansive views of the landscape.

The selection and implementation of materials play a pivotal role in the project. The use of aluminum introduces a lightweight and durable quality to the exterior, while pinewood adds warmth and texture within the interior spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere. Incorporating chlorine-dyed fabrics further enriches the design, introducing vibrant colors that infuse energy into the home and foster a stimulating environment. Glass elements are integrated to strengthen visual transparency, emphasizing the connection between indoors and outdoors, while concrete provides structural integrity and reinforces the overall aesthetic.

What sets this project apart is its intentional exploration of color as both an aesthetic and functional component. Color is not merely a surface treatment here; instead, it acts as a method of interaction and experience. The careful curation of hue variations influences users' emotional states and enriches everyday moments, making the architecture not just a backdrop for living but a contributor to the quality of life within the spaces.

Additionally, the project takes a culturally sensitive approach, melding local architectural vocabulary with modern techniques to foster a sense of identity within the community. By aligning with the cultural context, the design reinforces connections to the heritage of the area while promoting a progressive architectural language.

Overall, this architectural project exemplifies a nuanced understanding of how design can create both functional and emotive spaces. The interplay of light, color, and materiality are not isolated elements but rather integral aspects that define the architectural experience. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shaped this project, it is highly encouraged to explore the presentation further to appreciate the intricate thoughtfulness embedded within this architectural endeavor.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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