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Curvilinear Form Crafted From Wood-Clad Panels with Expansive Views and Natural Ventilation

Authors:
Ka yan natalie Wong, Lok yiu abby Wong, Keung Lee
Curvilinear Form Crafted From Wood-Clad Panels with Expansive Views and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Crafted with curvilinear shapes and clad in warm wood panels, the design harmonizes with its environment while providing versatile living spaces that encourage creativity and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to enhance spatial dynamics and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and warmth.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and visual texture.
04
Maximizes natural light through strategically placed glass elements and open spaces.
05
Integrates outdoor balconies seamlessly to foster a connection with the surrounding environment.
The architectural project "Balloon" stands as a thoughtful exploration of contemporary living, illustrating a blend of imagination and functionality through its unique design. It draws inspiration from the whimsical notion of a hot air balloon, symbolizing freedom, exploration, and a departure from the constraints frequently associated with urban environments. This project represents a vision of elevated living where residents can experience a rich connection with their surroundings while enjoying the comforts of modern housing.

Functionally, the Balloon project is designed as a multi-purpose residential space that accommodates a variety of lifestyles. Its layout is centered around a circular floor plan which divides the interior into several essential living areas including a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and workspace. This arrangement promotes efficient use of space and facilitates a sense of community among its inhabitants, as it encourages interaction within shared living spaces while also providing private zones for personal activities. The overall conceptual framework integrates both communal and private elements, allowing residents to enjoy a balance between social engagement and individual tranquility.

A significant characteristic of the Balloon project is its architectural form, reminiscent of a hot air balloon, which not only serves aesthetic purposes but also offers functional advantages. The design incorporates variations in height, creating a dynamic profile that enhances the experience of the occupants while allowing for expansive views of the surrounding environment. These elevations contribute to the visual impact of the project while maintaining privacy for higher-level living quarters.

The material selection in the Balloon project reflects a commitment to sustainability and practical functionality. Key materials include wood, aluminum, metal panels, glass, louvers, and plaster. Wood is used in flooring and structural frameworks, adding warmth and a natural feel to the interior spaces. Aluminum contributes to the building’s structural integrity while being lightweight, and metal panels provide an industrial character as well as durability against the elements. Expanses of glass are pivotal for maximizing daylight and creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that the environment feels connected to nature. The incorporation of louvers enhances the design's adaptability to varying climatic conditions by regulating sunlight and ventilation, supporting energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Plaster finishes add a sleek, modern touch to the interiors, highlighting the project's contemporary architectural language.

What positions the Balloon project as a distinctive contribution to architectural design is its emphasis on adaptive living in urban contexts. The structure promotes a lifestyle that harmonizes nature with urban living, enabling residents to benefit from outdoor spaces such as balconies and terraces. These areas encourage relaxation and interaction with the environment, cultivating a sense of well-being and community.

The project’s design approach underscores the importance of creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also enrich the living experience. It fosters a sense of exploration and creativity that resonates with its residents while challenging conventional residential layouts. By prioritizing a connection to nature, the Balloon project seeks to elevate the notion of home beyond four walls, offering an immersive living experience.

For deeper insights into the Balloon project, including its architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation, which showcases the artistic and practical dimensions of this remarkable architectural endeavor.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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