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Community Center Embracing Sustainability with a Weathered Steel Facade and Living Green Roof

Authors:
Diego Xavier Ordonez Holguin, Bernardo Roberto Bustamante PatiÑo
Community Center Embracing Sustainability with a Weathered Steel Facade and Living Green Roof

Project in-detail

Nestled in an urban setting, this community center features a weathered steel facade and a living green roof, seamlessly merging modern design with sustainable practices to create a vibrant hub for social engagement and environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The building incorporates a living green roof that supports local biodiversity and reduces urban heat.
02
Expansive glass panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light while minimizing glare and heat gain.
03
Movable partitions within multi-purpose rooms enable flexible space configurations to accommodate a variety of community events.
04
A custom acoustic design enhances sound quality for activities, ensuring a comfortable experience during events and gatherings.
05
The use of locally sourced timber minimizes the project's carbon footprint, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
This architectural design project exemplifies a cohesive integration of functionality and aesthetic appeal, showcasing a thoughtful response to its geographical context. The structure, located in a populated urban area, represents a blend of contemporary design principles coupled with a commitment to sustainability. Its primary function is to serve as a multi-purpose community center, fostering social interactions while providing various spaces for educational and recreational activities.

The building’s facade is a deliberate choice of materials that contributes to both its visual identity and its environmental performance. Utilizing materials such as weathered steel, glass, and locally sourced timber, the design not only enhances the structure's durability but also reduces its ecological footprint. The careful selection of these materials reflects a modern architectural ethos that prioritizes both aesthetics and responsibility in construction practices.

Upon entering the project, one encounters a spacious atrium that acts as a central hub for community activities. This welcoming space is bathed in natural light, a design choice made possible through strategically placed skylights and expansive glass panels. This openness encourages interaction and movement within the building, aligning with the project's objective of creating a dynamic environment for users of all ages.

The internal layout is meticulously organized to accommodate various functions, featuring multipurpose rooms adaptable for classes, gatherings, and events. Attention has been given to acoustics and flexibility, with movable partitions allowing spaces to be reconfigured as needed. This adaptability underscores the commitment to creating a versatile community resource that can evolve with its users’ changing needs.

One unique aspect of the design is the integration of green technologies. The roof is adorned with a living green roof, which not only helps mitigate stormwater runoff but also acts as an insulating layer, reducing energy consumption. This feature is complemented by solar panels strategically placed to harness renewable energy, providing power to the facility while promoting environmental stewardship.

Landscaping around the building has been thoughtfully planned to create a seamless connection between the outdoors and the interior spaces. Native plant species have been utilized to enhance local biodiversity while requiring minimal maintenance. This design approach reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and its intention to create a serene outdoor environment for community members.

The choice of colors and finishes throughout the interior further enhances the overall ambiance. Natural tones and textures are predominant, offering warmth and comfort that foster a welcoming atmosphere. Art installations from local artists punctuate the spaces, reflecting the community's culture and creating a sense of ownership among the users.

Overall, this architectural project serves as a testament to effective design that prioritizes community needs while embracing modernity and sustainability. Its multifaceted spaces and thoughtful integration into the urban fabric make it a significant addition to the area. The project not only meets functional requirements but also inspires a sense of belonging among its users, which is critical in fostering community engagement.

For a deeper understanding of the intricacies of this architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that highlight innovative architectural ideas, exploring the project presentation will provide valuable insights. By reviewing these elements, one can appreciate how the design successfully weaves together form, function, and community spirit.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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