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Corten Steel Meets Coastal Immersion in Thoughtful Community Space

Author:
州建 胡
Corten Steel Meets Coastal Immersion in Thoughtful Community Space

Project in-detail

Integrating corten steel with expansive natural light, the design establishes a coastal community hub that fosters ecological awareness and user interaction through thoughtfully planned spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathered corten steel that naturally blends with the coastal environment.
02
Incorporates large glass panels for optimal natural light and panoramic views.
03
Features pathways that promote user engagement with both the structure and landscape.
04
Water features strategically placed to enhance tranquility and reflection.
05
Utilizes a layout that encourages ecological awareness and community interaction.

## Overview

Located along the coastline, the design project engages with the relationship between urban development and natural landscapes. It critiques the complexity and consequences of urban expansion through a structure that appears submerged within its environment, fostering a dialogue around ecological interaction and community engagement. The design invites users to explore themes of environmental conservation and urbanization, using spatial strategy and innovative materials to enhance the visitor experience.

## Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The spatial configuration emphasizes a deliberate orientation toward the coastline, incorporating pathways that guide visitors through a sequence of experiences. The design balances enclosed and open areas, fostering a dialogue between the interior and exterior environments. This approach enhances visibility and allows for meaningful engagement with the coastal landscape. The experience is further enriched by strategically placed reference points that encourage users to reflect on their surroundings and the ecological narrative conveyed by the space.

## Materiality and Light Manipulation

Material selection is integral to the project's character. Handcrafted steel serves as a structural element, merging durability with contemporary industrial aesthetics. Concrete provides a robust foundation, while corten steel develops a unique patina over time, reinforcing the connection to nature. Glass is used to frame views and control light, creating dynamic interactions within the space. Innovative light integration through large panels and skylights enhances the ambiance, emphasizing the passage of time and enriching the overall user experience.

Water features incorporated into the design introduce a sense of tranquility, symbolizing fluidity and the inherent changes in both natural ecosystems and human conditions, all while promoting a sustainable urban development approach.

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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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