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Corten Steel Sound Sculptures Integrating Timber and Nature for Community Engagement

Author:
Ettore Maria Porretta
Corten Steel Sound Sculptures Integrating Timber and Nature for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Corten steel sculptures designed to manipulate sound waves harmonize with timber elements and the surrounding forest, creating a multifunctional space for community gatherings and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel formations enhance sound dynamics through precise geometric design.
02
Thoughtfully integrated timber elements promote warmth and community interaction.
03
Landscaping features indigenous vegetation to support local biodiversity.
04
Acoustic manipulation ensures optimized sound experiences during events.
05
The triangular spatial layout encourages movement and engagement among visitors.
The "Temple of Sound" is an architectural design project that explores the intricate relationship between sound, space, and nature. Located within a wooded area, the project serves both as a social hub and a venue for sound-related activities. Its primary function is to facilitate community gatherings, promote artistic expressions, and enhance the auditory experiences of its users. This architectural endeavor emphasizes a profound interaction between its users and their natural surroundings, resulting in a design that is both functional and aesthetically integrated into the landscape.

The project's layout features a strategic arrangement of key components, including sound sculptures, a bar area, and chill zones. The sound sculptures are structures that manipulate audio waves to create an immersive auditory environment. These sculptures, paired with a social bar pavilion, encourage communal interaction while providing an engaging experience. Chill areas, designed as informal gathering spaces, promote relaxation and contemplation amidst the natural setting.

Unique Design Approaches

The "Temple of Sound" distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to acoustic design and landscape integration. The sculptures are crafted from Corten steel, a material chosen for its durability and aesthetic qualities. The weathering properties of the steel not only enhance the visual character of the structures but also tie the architecture closely to its environment.

The design prioritizes acoustics through carefully considered geometry, allowing for sound reflection and diffusion that optimize auditory experiences. This architectural approach ensures that sound becomes an integral part of the visitor experience, promoting interaction through performances and events.

Additional components include a timber bar area that fosters community engagement and provides a warm contrast to the metal sculptures. The use of glass within this space ensures visual connections to the surroundings, further blending interior and exterior environments. The landscaping is carefully tailored to utilize indigenous vegetation, reinforcing sustainability and ecological integration.

Architectural Details and Functional Spaces

The architectural plans reveal a coherent spatial organization that enhances flow and movement throughout the site. The triangular configuration of the elements facilitates interaction while guiding visitors through a sensory journey defined by sound and natural beauty. The chill areas provide informal seating arrangements surrounded by earthen mounds, further encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the sensory experience.

For those interested in a more in-depth analysis of the design, architectural sections and architectural details are available for review. These elements showcase how the project harmonizes with its environment while addressing the unique challenges of acoustic design in architecture. Visitors are encouraged to explore the architectural ideas presented in this project to appreciate the intricate details that contribute to its overall success in blending sound, space, and community engagement.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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