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Crystalline Facade and Composite Materials Transforming Urban Learning Spaces

Authors:
Stanislav Metzger, Andreas Martin, Ilya Mashkarynets
Crystalline Facade and Composite Materials Transforming Urban Learning Spaces

Project in-detail

The crystalline facade, constructed from glass and steel, reflects a commitment to sustainability and transparency, creating a vibrant urban hub for retail and education in the heart of Bangkok.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crystalline facade utilizes a modular glass design for dynamic light play.
02
Vertical integration promotes seamless interaction between retail and educational functions.
03
Composite materials enhance insulation while maintaining a lightweight structure.
04
Landscaping includes native flora, establishing a connection to the local environment.
05
Open atria facilitate natural ventilation and enhanced user engagement throughout the spaces.

### Overview

Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the design of "9th Gem" explores the intersection of architecture and fashion within a vibrant urban context. The project aims to address the complexities of modern urban development by emphasizing sustainability, cultural engagement, and social interaction. Its design, influenced by Bangkok's rich historical and contemporary fabric, seeks to reflect the city's dual nature as a center for tradition and progress.

### Facade and Materiality

The building features a striking geometric facade characterized by polygonal shapes that exhibit dynamic color transitions, including shades of pink and yellow. This crystalline form incorporates triangular facets, blending modernist and organic architectural principles. The use of glass enhances transparency and light interaction while operationally contributing to energy efficiency through passive solar strategies. Structural components, primarily steel and concrete, provide durability and support, while composite materials are strategically applied to optimize insulation.

### Spatial Strategy

"9th Gem" is organized vertically, facilitating a multi-functional environment that promotes community interaction. The ground floor serves as an active public realm dedicated to retail and food, encouraging social engagement. Upper floors are designated for educational and exhibition purposes, arranged to foster connectivity among diverse spaces such as workshops, libraries, and classrooms. Internal circulation is designed with open atria to ensure visibility and movement between levels, integrating commercial and educational elements to create a vibrant user experience. This vertical integration allows for a harmonious coexistence of different functions, reinforcing the role of architecture in enriching urban life.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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