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Curved Scales and Cement Mortar in a Flood Resilient Educational Space

Authors:
Sijie Wang, Fan Ni, Bo Chen, Jianyu Ma
Curved Scales and Cement Mortar in a Flood Resilient Educational Space

Project in-detail

Curved scales reflect the local dragon mythology while robust cement mortar and gutter tile address flooding concerns in a library designed for educational engagement and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved design elements reflect the local dragon mythology.
02
Cement mortar enhances structural integrity while addressing flooding issues.
03
Gutter tile is integrated for efficient water management.
04
Layout promotes interaction and collaboration among users.
05
Located within Xiangyang Middle School, connecting education and community.

The Flying Dragon Library, located in Xiangyang Middle School in Santai County, serves as a response to both educational needs and cultural heritage. It reflects the community's identity while addressing the demands of a growing urban environment. With a design inspired by the symbolism of dragons, the library aims to create an engaging space for students and teachers alike.

Cultural Integration

The library draws from local beliefs about dragons. The flood dragon symbolizes strength and change, which influences the overall design concept. The building's shape incorporates fluid lines that represent the movements of dragons, establishing a strong connection to the region’s cultural stories. This aspect brings a sense of identity and significance to the space.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the library's layout encourages interaction among users. Classrooms and study areas are arranged to enhance collaboration. Spaces are designed for both individual study and group activities, fostering community among students and teachers. The thought given to these connections creates an atmosphere of learning and engagement, making the library a central hub within the school.

Material Considerations

Materials referenced in the design include cement mortar for structural support and gutter tile for managing water effectively. These choices focus on durability and practicality, addressing the environmental challenges that Santai faces, especially concerning flooding. The materials align with the cultural narrative of the dragon, reinforcing the library's purpose.

The architectural form features gentle curves, resembling the scales of a dragon that sweeps across the landscape. This design detail invites exploration and interaction, offering a unique experience to all who enter. Each element combines to reflect the broader themes of transformation and resilience found in the local culture.

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