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Circular Structure Crafted With Felt and Steel for Community Engagement

Author:
Yang Wu
Circular Structure Crafted With Felt and Steel for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with a circular layout and a blend of felt and steel, the center fosters community connection while honoring the nomadic cultural heritage through its multifunctional spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular structure incorporates felt roofing reflective of traditional ger design.
02
Large glass panels enhance natural light and visual connection to the environment.
03
3D printed components offer customization tailored to specific community needs.
04
Dedicated ritual space emphasizes the importance of cultural practices in design.
05
Integrates with surrounding landscape to minimize environmental impact and disruption.

### Project Overview
The Nomadic Civilization Center is a cultural and communal facility designed to reflect the traditions of the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle. Situated in a mountainous region, the center connects with its natural surroundings while responding to the evolving identity of contemporary nomadic society. The design draws inspiration from traditional ger (yurt) structures, fostering a modern architectural language that honors cultural heritage.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of the center is carefully structured into distinct functional zones, strategically designed to serve various community purposes. Key areas include a Rest Zone for individual reflection, a central Gathering Area for communal events, and a Ritual Space dedicated to cultural practices. These zones are interconnected through a series of circular forms that enhance accessibility and promote social interaction, creating a harmonious flow throughout the center.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques
The center employs a diverse palette of materials to achieve both aesthetic and functional objectives. Key components include cement and concrete for structural integrity, steel to support sweeping curves, and glass to maximize natural light and transparency. Felt, a traditional roofing material, acknowledges cultural heritage while integrating modern 3D-printed elements that enable customization and efficiency. This combination of materials ensures resilience in a varied environment while contributing to the overall design cohesion.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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