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Colorful Façade of Glass and Brick Combined with Flexible Living Spaces in a Sustainable Urban Home

Authors:
Man hin Ma, Ivy Chen, Nyla Mas
Colorful Façade of Glass and Brick Combined with Flexible Living Spaces in a Sustainable Urban Home

Project in-detail

With a vibrant pink and yellow façade crafted from glass and brick, this innovative urban home redefines flexible living by seamlessly integrating display and storage spaces to reflect the complexities of contemporary life.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates bright pink and yellow colors, creating a distinctive visual identity.
02
Movable partitions within the dwelling allow for dynamic use of space between public and private areas.
03
The design includes biophilic elements that enhance residents' connections to nature through natural light and greenery.
04
Sustainable features include solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the building's architecture.
05
Custom furniture made from locally sourced wood reinforces the project's commitment to sustainability while adding character.
The architectural project entitled "Show/Storeroom" presents a thoughtful investigation into the evolving nature of domestic spaces in a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions and consumer culture. This design operates on the premise that the home can serve not only as a refuge but also as a place for public display and personal storage, reflecting the duality of personal identity in contemporary society.

The overarching concept of the project is a response to the complexities of existence in a future landscape, specifically the year 2069, where the interplay between the physical and digital realms deeply influences personal identities and day-to-day interactions. In this context, the design of "Show/Storeroom" allows for a flexible living arrangement that supports both privacy and openness, facilitating the inhabitants' ability to navigate their public and private personas.

Functionally, the project is designed to accommodate the needs of two characters, Albert and Jenny, who embody the challenges of modern living. The layout merges traditional living spaces with areas specifically designated to showcase personal belongings, akin to a showroom experience. This not only allows for expression and self-curation but also addresses the pressure to maintain a carefully curated digital presence. The design emphasizes adaptability, providing a range of spatial configurations that can easily shift from private to public settings, thereby fostering an environment where interactions can be personalized and intimate.

An essential aspect of the architectural design is the incorporation of movable elements such as doors and curtains, which empower residents to control the degree of openness or seclusion within their space. This design approach effectively enhances the user experience, allowing for seamless transitions between socialization and solitude. The building itself features a unique façade that employs playful arch elements in bright colors such as pink and yellow, contributing not only to its visual appeal but also to an engaging interaction with the surrounding urban environment.

The material choices play a crucial role in defining the project's character. The use of brick and concrete blocks provides structural stability while underscoring a sense of permanence. Large expanses of glass are strategically included to foster transparency and illuminate the interiors, creating a connection with the outside world, which is particularly important in a design addressing the themes of visibility and exhibitionism. The warmth of wood is featured within custom furnishings, adding a natural touch that complements the industrial elements and softens the overall aesthetic.

Additionally, the design incorporates sustainability principles to address contemporary ecological concerns. The presence of solar panels and rainwater collection systems signals a commitment to energy efficiency and resource management. Such features illustrate a holistic approach to architecture that aligns with future sustainability goals, addressing the urgent need for environmentally conscious living spaces.

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is the way it addresses the tension between personal expression and the external pressures of societal expectations. The architectural design stands as a commentary on how individuals curate their identities through physical possessions and the spaces they inhabit. By merging the functions of a showroom and a storeroom, "Show/Storeroom" evolves the concept of home beyond a mere shelter, presenting it as an interactive space that encourages self-reflection and genuine human connection.

This project encapsulates innovative design thinking, reflecting on how the built environment can adapt to the nuances of modern life. Readers interested in further exploring the intricacies of this architectural project are encouraged to delve into its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, as these elements offer deeper insights into the fundamental ideas that informed this thoughtful and ambitious 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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