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Curved Concrete Form with Local Stone and Warm Timber Accents for a Cultural Community Hub

Author:
Li Cheng-lin
Curved Concrete Form with Local Stone and Warm Timber Accents for a Cultural Community Hub

Project in-detail

The integration of a spiral concrete form with local stone and warm timber accents creates an inviting community hub designed to celebrate cultural expression through music and gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a spiral layout that facilitates natural movement and social interaction.
02
Local stone is prominently used, connecting the structure to its geographical context.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability while reducing environmental impact.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance while contributing to aesthetic warmth.
05
The central auditorium serves as a multifunctional space dedicated to cultural performances and community events.
The "FADO-AROUND" community home project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of cultural heritage, modern architectural practices, and sustainable design methodologies. Located in Portugal, the project serves not only as a residence but as a cultural hub that fosters community interaction and engagement through the lens of Fado music, a significant component of Portuguese identity.

The architectural design is characterized by a spiral layout, which symbolically reflects the dynamic and flowing nature of Fado, inviting visitors and residents to experience a range of public and private spaces. This design promotes accessibility, encouraging movement throughout the building while facilitating social interactions among its users.

Central to the project is a large auditorium, serving as a multifunctional space for performances, community gatherings, and events, thereby anchoring the programmatic elements of the design to its cultural roots. Surrounding this space are communal areas, galleries, and smaller intimate rooms that allow for exhibitions and daily social exchanges, all while maintaining a cohesive flow with the central performance space.

Materiality plays a vital role in the project, with deliberate choices aimed at invoking local traditions while ensuring modern functionality. The primary materials include stone, concrete, glass, and wood. Stone provides structural integrity and local authenticity, concrete enables the realization of complex geometric forms, glass enhances natural light and visual connections to the surroundings, and wood adds warmth and a human-scale presence.

Innovative design approaches set "FADO-AROUND" apart from conventional community home designs. The spiral form not only addresses the functional aspects of circulation but also resonates with the thematic complexity of Fado music by promoting a sense of continuity and flow within the space. This design encourages exploration and interaction among users, establishing a venue that adapts to both communal and individual needs.

Additionally, the project incorporates green spaces that integrate seamlessly with the architectural structure. This focus on landscaping and ecological awareness enhances the residents' connection to nature, aligning with contemporary sustainable design practices. The landscaping is strategically planned to create outdoor gathering areas that are conducive to social interaction, furthering the project's goal of community cohesion.

The architectural design of "FADO-AROUND" effectively marries cultural significance with modern living, creating spaces that celebrate both heritage and contemporary lifestyles. The emphasis on community-centric spaces and sustainable practices ensures that this project is not only a place to live but a vital area for cultural exchange and growth.

Explore the project presentation for more details and insights into its architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that make "FADO-AROUND" a significant contribution to modern architecture and community living.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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