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Community Center Featuring Living Walls and Local Brick Façade with Solar Integration

Author:
Iker Hernández oñativa
Community Center Featuring Living Walls and Local Brick Façade with Solar Integration

Project in-detail

This community center combines a locally sourced brick façade and cross-laminated timber with living walls and integrated solar panels, creating a versatile space that fosters collaboration while emphasizing sustainability and strong connections to the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The project incorporates biophilic design elements, featuring living walls that enhance indoor air quality and connect occupants with nature.
02
A rainwater harvesting system is implemented to reuse collected water for landscape irrigation and building maintenance, promoting environmental stewardship.
03
The combination of locally sourced brick and cross-laminated timber offers a unique aesthetic that honors local materials while providing structural integrity.
04
Large, tempered glass panels are strategically placed to optimize natural light throughout the space, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
05
The building’s adaptable open floor plan allows for seamless reconfiguration, accommodating various community functions and events without the need for extensive remodeling.
The project at hand is an innovative architectural design that seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal. It exemplifies a contemporary approach to architecture, embodying principles of sustainability while addressing the needs of its intended users. Located in an urban setting, the project serves as a versatile space designed to accommodate various activities, fostering community engagement and interaction.

As visitors approach the building, they are greeted by a façade characterized by a thoughtful use of materials and textures. The primary exterior surface features a combination of locally sourced brick and large, tempered glass panels, creating a striking contrast between solidity and transparency. This choice of materials not only enhances energy efficiency but also ensures that the interior spaces are flooded with natural light, establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The building's design emphasizes an open floor plan that promotes flexibility throughout the various spaces. The layout is meticulously conceived to allow for multi-purpose use, adaptable to different functions such as meetings, events, and social gatherings. Circulation is intuitive, with wide pathways and strategic sightlines that facilitate ease of movement and promote interaction among users. This thoughtful organization underscores the project’s commitment to creating a collaborative environment.

Unique to this design are the biophilic elements incorporated throughout the interior and exterior spaces. The use of living walls, which are meticulously integrated into the structural system, not only contributes to air quality but also enhances the visual connection with nature. Additionally, roof gardens provide outdoor retreats for users, further bridging the gap between the built environment and the natural landscape.

Another notable aspect of the project is its emphasis on sustainability. The design incorporates renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels integrated into the roof structure, which serve to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Rainwater harvesting systems are also utilized, collecting and reusing water to minimize waste and promote responsible water management. These features reflect a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship and demonstrate the potential for architecture to support sustainable living.

In terms of architectural ideas, the project stands out for its harmonious blend of form and function. The interplay of light and shadow created by the overhangs and terraces adds depth to the overall aesthetic, while also serving practical purposes such as weather protection. The strategic placement of windows balances the need for privacy with views of the surrounding area, fostering a sense of openness while maintaining enclosed spaces.

Furthermore, the interior design details are equally important to the overall experience of the space. Carefully selected furnishings reflect modern design trends, while also prioritizing comfort and usability. The color palette is intentionally neutral, providing a calming backdrop that encourages focus and collaboration. Additional amenities such as breakout areas and informal meeting spaces are integrated, allowing users to engage in a variety of activities throughout the day.

This architectural project is an exemplar of contemporary design that responds thoughtfully to both environmental challenges and the evolving needs of users. Through its innovative use of materials, attention to sustainability, and emphasis on flexibility, it represents a significant contribution to modern architecture. Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to examine the architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs to gain deeper insights into the unique features and thoughtful considerations embedded in this design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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