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Corten Steel Cladding Embraces Community Interaction in Kurdish Territory

Authors:
Aren Castro, Kyle Roethlisberger
Corten Steel Cladding Embraces Community Interaction in Kurdish Territory
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Corten steel cladding unfolds a dynamic interplay between nature and structure, creating a neutral space that invites diverse communities to engage and interact within the culturally rich landscape of Kurdistan.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel cladding develops a unique weathered patina over time.
02
The design incorporates large perforations to enhance natural light and views.
03
Strategically positioned to draw pedestrians from a nearby ski slope.
04
Fosters community engagement by providing an ambiguous and neutral space.
05
Integrates with the landscape, allowing plants to interact with the structure.

The architectural design is located in historically Kurdish territory, aiming to foster an inclusive environment for various ethnic groups, including Kurds, Turks, and visitors. The central concept revolves around creating a neutral space for interaction without the influence of identity-based biases. Engaging with the region's complex history, the design emphasizes unity through thoughtful consideration of space and form.

Spatial Configuration
The structure intentionally blocks direct views of the nearby caldera, encouraging visitors to interact with an ambiguous form. This design choice enhances the experience within the interior, allowing individuals to explore and navigate the space without distractions. As visitors engage with the environment, their interactions are based on a shared experience rather than preconceived notions.

Materiality
Corten steel is prominently used for the cladding, chosen for its visual and practical qualities. Over time, this material naturally weathers and develops a unique surface that speaks to its relationship with the environment. The changing appearance symbolizes strength and resilience, suggesting that the surrounding natural elements have a significant influence on the building’s evolving identity.

Perforated Cladding
The design incorporates perforated corten steel, with larger openings placed in the upper observation area. This allows users to enjoy views of the cityscape while providing essential shading for the areas below. Such an arrangement creates a balance between openness and shelter, fostering connections between the interior spaces and the outside world.

Site Strategy
The location was carefully selected to capture the attention of pedestrians and visitors leaving a nearby ski slope. This strategic placement increases the structure's visibility and encourages a range of interactions among different groups. By positioning the design in this lively context, it serves as a gathering point, inviting community engagement from various backgrounds.

Plants that grow through the perforated steel elements create a visual connection with nature, blending the structure with its surroundings. These organic forms merge with the architectural design, reflecting a dynamic relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape.

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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

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