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Curved Roof Atrium Connecting Community Through Cross Laminated Timber

Authors:
Judah Braman, Henk Veld, Keegan Reardon, Hans Nelson Romine
Curved Roof Atrium Connecting Community Through Cross Laminated Timber

Project in-detail

The curved roof atrium enhances connectivity between the two towers, utilizing Cross Laminated Timber to create a sustainable mixed-use space that enriches the urban landscape along the Monongahela River.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross Laminated Timber provides structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
The design includes a curved roof that mirrors the natural landscape.
03
An atrium space fosters community interaction within the building.
04
Direct integration with transit infrastructure enhances accessibility.
05
The project emphasizes a dialogue with the steel skyscrapers of downtown.

The Split is located on the south bank of the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It establishes a connection to the downtown area while addressing both historical and contemporary urban needs. The design aims to integrate with the local environment, drawing from Pittsburgh’s rich industrial background.

Design Concept
The design emphasizes a conversation with the steel skyscrapers that define the city’s skyline. This relationship highlights the potential for renewal along the South Bank while also focusing on the use of sustainable resources from the region. The architectural approach combines modern innovation with the city’s historical context.

Massing and Spatial Configuration
The Split features two towers that convey movement and interaction with the surrounding landscape. The shorter tower has a roof that starts at a point and curves down toward the river, reflecting the natural slope of the land. In contrast, the taller tower has an opposing height, reinforcing the idea of the building as a bridge between the two riverbanks. This balance of forms directs attention to the dynamics of the site.

Atrium and Community Interaction
A key feature of the design is the atrium space created by the two roof forms. This area allows for natural light to enter interior spaces and acts as a central hub of activity. It encourages interaction among different functions within the building and enhances its overall usefulness by offering flexible spaces for community engagement.

Sustainability and Materials
Sustainability is an important focus in The Split. Cross Laminated Timber, or CLT, is used for the building's structure, highlighting a commitment to reducing environmental impact. This material is chosen for its efficiency in assembly and quick construction times, aligning with modern needs for sustainable building practices.

The overall roof design connects the two towers while highlighting the growth potential of the surrounding urban landscape. It is a careful blend of form and function that reflects a dedication to environmental responsibility.

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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

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