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Curvilinear Facades Enhanced by Lightweight Concrete and Solar Panels in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Yoel Dan Goldstein, Ksenia Aslanova
Curvilinear Facades Enhanced by Lightweight Concrete and Solar Panels in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Curvilinear facades crafted from lightweight concrete and integrated solar panels create an adaptable hub for community engagement along the Maas River, promoting a dialogue on sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear facades enhance natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
02
Lightweight concrete construction reduces the overall carbon footprint.
03
Integrated solar panels supply renewable energy to the facility.
04
Adaptive height features respond dynamically to environmental changes.
05
Community spaces encourage interdisciplinary collaboration on sustainability.
The Maascentrum, or Center for Sustainable Future, is an architectural project located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This facility emphasizes sustainable design practices while promoting interdisciplinary research on environmental resilience. Positioned along the banks of the Maas River, the project utilizes its surroundings to enhance its architectural narrative, making water a central theme in both its aesthetics and functionality.

The Maascentrum functions as a hub for education, research, and community engagement. It features multi-functional spaces designed for workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, allowing for a collaborative approach to sustainability issues. Visitor circulation is planned through interconnected pathways that guide users to different sections of the center while facilitating interaction among diverse groups.

The architectural design employs curvilinear forms, reflecting the fluid nature of water. This choice creates an organic connection between the building and its environment, contrasting with traditional static structures. Lightweight concrete and facade steel are predominant materials, providing structural efficiency while blending with the landscape. Integrated photovoltaic panels on the roof support renewable energy use and underline the center's commitment to sustainability practices.

Sustainable design strategies set this project apart from many other facilities. Natural ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining indoor climate control, minimizing reliance on energy-consuming systems. Adaptive building height allows for a responsive design that considers environmental changes, enhancing resilience in the face of potential flooding. The landscaping features incorporated into the design serve not only aesthetic purposes but also function in promoting biodiversity and managing stormwater.

Unique architectural elements include the dynamic facades, which are designed to create visually engaging patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. Open atriums within the building enhance natural lighting, fostering communal gathering spaces that connect the interiors with the exterior environment. The overall layout prioritizes interaction, making the Maascentrum a vital part of the urban fabric while encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.

The Maascentrum represents a forward-thinking approach to the collaboration between architecture and environmental stewardship. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain deeper insights into its innovative design strategies and concepts.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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