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Community Space with Green Buffers and Solar Orientation

Author:
Abul boshar Md. shamsuzzaman
Community Space with Green Buffers and Solar Orientation

Project in-detail

Integrating green buffers and maximizing solar orientation, the design promotes community engagement while addressing organic and non-organic waste management needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community gardens serve as green buffers between functional areas, enhancing biodiversity.
02
The building's orientation maximizes solar energy and natural light throughout the day.
03
Dedicated zones for both organic and non-organic waste management promote sustainability.
04
The unified roof design reinforces collaboration among different community functions.
05
Interactive spaces are integrated to educate users about sustainable practices.

The ARK II project presents a thoughtful response to ecological challenges, emphasizing community involvement while addressing waste management needs. Located in a setting that encourages collaboration, the design concept draws inspiration from the narrative of Noah, reflecting the importance of unity in confronting modern climate issues. Functionally, the building serves as a multifunctional space, focusing on both organic and non-organic waste while nurturing a collective environmental awareness.

Architectural Form

The building features an elongated shape that is oriented toward the north, optimizing exposure to sunlight and enhancing natural illumination throughout the interiors. This alignment aligns with passive design principles, which strive for energy efficiency and comfort. The layout is divided into three distinct areas: organic, community, and non-organic, allowing users to easily navigate and understand the different activities and programs within the space.

Spatial Organization

Community gardens are integrated between the distinct areas, providing green buffers that enhance both ecological benefits and visual appeal. These gardens not only support local flora and fauna but also serve as places for hands-on learning about sustainable practices. Incorporating nature into the design emphasizes the project's commitment to the principles of a circular economy, highlighting the importance of sustainability in everyday life.

Unified Roof Structure

The roof of the building is unified and inclined, offering shelter while symbolizing cooperation among the various spaces below. This design choice maximizes the area available for shared activities and gatherings, encouraging community interaction. The roof is not just a practical feature; it reinforces the idea that collaboration is crucial in pursuing common goals in environmental stewardship.

Ground Floor Activation

On the ground floor, the layout is created to enhance functionality and foster connections between users. A reception area welcomes visitors, while the community deck and various zones for waste management and resource exchange are carefully placed for convenience. The arrangement promotes movement and accessibility, making it easier for people to engage with each other and the resources available.

The design emphasizes a greenhouse dynamic, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability and the value of biodiversity. By integrating different functional spaces within a cohesive structure, ARK II highlights the ongoing relationship between the built environment, community, and ecological responsibility.

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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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