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Corten Steel Curvature Enveloping a Community Space

Authors:
José joaquin Cordua, Juan Cordua Allende
Corten Steel Curvature Enveloping a Community Space

Project in-detail

The distinctive curvature of Corten steel defines a vibrant community space that integrates renewable energy solutions and fosters engagement through dynamic lighting and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel exterior reflects urban industrial heritage.
02
Curved C-profile pillars create double curvature for visual interest.
03
Integrated solar panels support autonomous energy needs.
04
Perforated surfaces emit colored light, engaging the surrounding area.
05
LED lighting provides ambient illumination and enhances interaction.

The Berlin Techno Booth design connects deeply with the local culture and the history of electronic music in Berlin. Positioned within a vibrant urban setting, the booth serves as a space for community engagement and cultural expression. The design revolves around two distinct oval shapes that create the floor and roof, forming a visually engaging structure that encourages interaction and participation.

Geometric Dynamics

At the center of this design are the two oval surfaces, with the upper component rotated by 90 degrees compared to the lower. This rotation creates visual interest and alters the spatial experience within the booth. Curved steel C-profile pillars support the structure, providing stability while contributing to a dynamic form. The use of double curvature enhances the way the booth interacts with its surroundings.

Illumination and Environment

Light plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere inside the Berlin Techno Booth. LED lighting is integrated within the curved C-pillars and diffused through translucent paper, creating a soft glow that fills the space. Perforated surfaces allow light to escape, casting colorful patterns outside and inviting curious onlookers to engage with the installation. This thoughtful use of illumination creates a connection between the booth and the urban environment.

Material Considerations

Materials are carefully chosen to align with the booth’s identity. The exterior is made with Corten steel sheets, valued for their weathered appearance and durability, reflecting Berlin’s industrial past. Rock wool insulation provides effective thermal performance, ensuring comfort within the booth. Inside, chrome steel sheets serve to reflect light, making the space feel larger than it is. Each material contributes to the overall aesthetic while maintaining functionality.

Sustainable Design

The roof's inclination is designed to accommodate solar panels, supporting a move towards sustainable energy use. This feature allows the booth to operate independently, offering power for lighting and sound without relying on external sources. Adopting renewable energy reflects a modern approach to architecture, emphasizing resourcefulness within the urban landscape.

The combination of thoughtfully designed perforations and strategic lighting results in an engaging experience, with light spilling into the surrounding area. This creates a vibrant atmosphere that invites participation from both users and passersby.

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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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