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Curvilinear Canopies of Recycled Polyester Create a Community Knowledge Hub

Authors:
Carina Ratzka, Maria Seebach
Curvilinear Canopies of Recycled Polyester Create a Community Knowledge Hub

Project in-detail

Composed of curvilinear canopies crafted from recycled polyester and supported by a robust metal framework, the design invites community interaction while serving as an innovative knowledge hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear canopies integrate sustainable recycled polyester to enhance natural light and aesthetics.
02
A rope ladder provides a playful access point, fostering interaction with the structure.
03
The design features distinct reading alcoves that support both individual and communal learning.
04
Constructed with a lightweight metal framework for structural integrity, enhancing the organic shape.
05
Footprint and configuration encourage fluid movement, allowing for seamless user experience.

### Project Overview

Located within a contemporary urban context, ALIA is designed to embody a fusion of spiritual, scientific, and cultural dimensions. The name "ALIA," which holds significance in Arabic and Hebrew, reflects concepts of exaltation and connection, reinforcing the intention of the structure as both a functional space and a site for contemplation and interaction.

### Materiality and Structural Design

The ALIA structure employs a diverse range of materials to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional durability. Plywood acts as the primary structural component, while recycled polyester contributes to environmental sustainability and showcases a commitment to lifecycle awareness. Iron is used to form essential support frameworks, emphasizing stability, and wire is integrated to enhance both structural integrity and visual delicacy. The architectural form features an underlying metal framework complemented by undulating wooden canopies, evoking the appearance of petals or spacecraft-like elements. This curvilinear design fosters a fluid transition into the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Configuration and Functional Zones

Measuring 7.8 meters in width and 5.1 meters in height, the spatial configuration of ALIA has been meticulously developed to encourage interaction and exploration. A rope ladder offers access to the interior, reflecting a blend of playfulness and intentional design. Inside, the layout includes designated areas such as a reading niche with curved alcoves for intimate engagement with books, dual compartments known as the Book Box for knowledge exchange, and an entry space featuring a circular pathway that facilitates movement to the main area. This organization cultivates a library-like atmosphere that emphasizes community engagement and personal discovery.

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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
The Architect's 
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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