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Curved Glulam Roofs and Timber Piles Defining a Pavilion by the Sea

Authors:
Ryan Warwick, Oluwatobi Ladipo, Oluwatobi Ladipo
Curved Glulam Roofs and Timber Piles Defining a Pavilion by the Sea

Project in-detail

Curved glulam roofs rise above timber piles, creating a pavilion that evokes the movement of waves while offering a space for community interaction by Cardiff Bay.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved glulam roofs mimic the movement of waves, enhancing the connection to the sea.
02
Timber piles symbolize the relationship between the forest and the pavilion.
03
A traditional boat element is integrated as a focal point within the design.
04
The pavilion is situated on a sandy area, promoting direct interaction with the water.
05
The design encourages visitors to walk beneath the undulating roof, deepening their experience.

The Ocean Forest Pavilion sits on a small sandy area that overlooks Cardiff Bay. It combines the ideas of land and sea in a way that connects the natural landscape with visitors. The design encourages exploration and interaction, reflecting the movement of waves and the calmness of trees. It offers an engaging experience rooted in its coastal setting.

Structural Composition

The foundation consists of timber piles, which symbolize the connection to the forest and provide stability. This material choice reinforces the relationship between the built structure and the surrounding environment. By using timber, the design respects local resources and enhances its ecological context.

Design Dynamics

The roofs of the pavilion are shaped like waves and constructed with curved glulam timber. This undulating design creates a sense of fluidity, allowing light to flow through and cast interesting shadows inside. As people walk beneath these roofs, they are reminded of the sea and the idea of being under waves, helping to merge the experience of nature with the space.

Cultural Element

In the design, a boat made using traditional methods serves as a reminder of maritime culture. This element stands out as a point of interest while connecting the pavilion to historical practices of seafaring. It adds depth to the overall theme, inviting visitors to reflect on the cultural significance of the water.

The combination of these design elements results in a distinct environment. Visitors move along paths that weave beneath the wave-shaped roofs, enjoying a space that integrates craftsmanship, nature, and cultural storytelling. Each step offers a different perspective, showing how architecture can connect people to their surroundings in a meaningful way.

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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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