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Curvilinear Design Featuring Perforated Aluminum and Corten Steel Serves as an Educational Hub for Tattoo Artistry

Authors:
Steven Fisher, Yang Chen, Paul Hone, Mark Handley
Curvilinear Design Featuring Perforated Aluminum and Corten Steel Serves as an Educational Hub for Tattoo Artistry

Project in-detail

The interplay of curvilinear forms with perforated aluminum and Corten steel creates an inviting educational environment dedicated to the art of tattooing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design reflects the fluid nature of tattoo artistry.
02
Perforated aluminum cladding allows natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Corten steel elements echo local geological textures.
04
Multifunctional spaces accommodate workshops, exhibitions, and community events.
05
Integration of a guest apartment enhances visitor experience and interaction.

# Analytical Report on the Melbourne Tattoo Academy Architectural Design Project

## General Overview
Located in Melbourne, Australia, the Melbourne Tattoo Academy serves as an educational and cultural center focused on tattoo artistry. The design emphasizes fluidity and connectivity, mirroring the dynamic and organic nature of tattooing. By challenging conventional architectural norms, the academy aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of tattoo culture through its innovative spatial organization.

## Spatial Strategy and Interior Configuration
The design features an organic layout composed entirely of curves, eliminating straight lines to reflect the unpredictable nature of the tattooing process. This approach creates interconnected spaces that enhance both accessibility and interaction. The ground floor includes a tattoo workshop, café, and reception area, while the second floor accommodates an exhibition space and an academy space. A basement auditorium provides additional facilities for community engagement and educational purposes. This multifunctional arrangement promotes a collaborative atmosphere among users, further supporting the academy’s educational mission.

## Materiality and Sustainable Practices
Two primary materials define the architectural expression: white perforated aluminum cladding and corten weathering steel. The aluminum cladding features a floral pattern inspired by the native Schefflera octophylla tree, providing an airy quality that invites natural light into the interior. In contrast, the corten steel, used for structural elements and nodes, offers a rugged texture reminiscent of native tree bark, introducing visual and textural diversity to the building's facade. The project's sustainable initiatives include natural materials and design strategies that optimize airflow and daylight, aligning with contemporary architectural practices.

By integrating these elements, the academy not only showcases the art of tattooing but also contributes positively to the urban landscape, reflecting the cultural identity of Melbourne while promoting community engagement through its educational and public programs.

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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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