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Curvilinear Glass Facade and Reinforced Concrete Spaces for Community Engagement

Authors:
Kenan Pençe, Mehmet Emin Şahİn, Denİz ÇaliŞir PenÇe
Curvilinear Glass Facade and Reinforced Concrete Spaces for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

With its curvilinear glass facade and reinforced concrete structure designed for flexible community activities, the center integrates natural light and landscape to foster engagement and creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear glass facades enhance natural light while offering views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity while allowing dynamic spatial configurations.
03
Flexible interior spaces can be easily adapted for various community functions and events.
04
The integration of natural materials fosters a connection to the environment and sustainability.
05
A bent A-frame design distinguishes the structure, creating unique visual and spatial experiences.

## Overview

Located in an urban environment, the cultural center known as "The Womb" combines various functions, including a conservatory, studio, and exhibition space, fostering artistic expression and community interaction. The design is inspired by natural forms, emphasizing the connection between architecture and its surroundings. Its unique structure and contemporary aesthetic aim to provoke curiosity while remaining accessible to the public.

## Spatial Design and Flexibility

The spatial organization of "The Womb" features a fluid arrangement that encourages connectivity between its various functions. Divided into distinct zones, the layout supports both public gatherings and intimate workshops. Central to the design is an open plan that allows for easy movement, enhancing the overall user experience. Flexible spaces are implemented to accommodate a range of activities, complemented by strategically placed glass facades that maximize natural light and create visual links to the exterior. This transparency enhances inclusivity, inviting community engagement with the center.

## Materiality and Sensory Experience

The project's material selection is deliberate, focusing on durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include:

- **Reinforced Concrete**: Provides a strong structural framework for the building’s organic forms.
- **Glass**: Extensive facades allow natural light to permeate the interior, creating a welcoming ambiance.
- **Aluminum**: Lightweight properties contribute to the building’s dynamic visual language, particularly in angular projections.
- **Wood**: Utilized within the interior to add warmth and foster a human-centric atmosphere.
- **Metal Cladding**: Enhances the exterior's contemporary aesthetic while ensuring weather resistance.

These carefully chosen materials not only serve practical purposes but also enrich the sensory experience of the space, reinforcing the project's commitment to creating a harmonious environment.

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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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