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Curvilinear Glass Structure Featuring Vegetated Roof and Sustainable Oak Elements

Authors:
Madalyn Melton, Youssef Elmergawy
Curvilinear Glass Structure Featuring Vegetated Roof and Sustainable Oak Elements

Project in-detail

The extensive use of a vegetated roof and curvilinear glass facades enhances the natural landscape interaction while serving as a multifunctional space for community engagement and exhibitions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Extensive use of a vegetated roof enhances biodiversity and insulation.
02
Curvilinear glass facades create seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
03
Sustainable oak flooring provides warmth and acoustic comfort.
04
Innovative layout promotes multifunctionality for diverse community activities.
05
Integration with natural topography minimizes environmental disruption.
This architectural project is a comprehensive exploration of form, function, and the relationship between built spaces and their natural surroundings. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into the landscape, emphasizing connectivity and transparency while addressing contemporary needs for sustainability and aesthetic coherence.

The structure leverages a curvilinear form that mirrors the landscape's natural features, creating a sense of fluidity in its design. Extensive use of glass allows for ample natural light, while providing unobstructed views of the rolling hills and adjacent lake. The building’s siting respects the topography, ensuring minimal disruption to the existing land features.

Overall, this project serves various functions, including exhibition spaces, gathering areas, and offices, fostering a community-centric environment. The strategic layout is crafted to encourage interaction among occupants while maintaining distinct functional zones. Incorporating elements such as a vegetated roof not only contributes to sustainability but reinforces the architectural dialogue with the environment.

Unique Architectural Approaches
One of the most distinctive aspects of this project is the emphasis on organic integration with the landscape. The curvilinear form accommodates the natural topography, promoting an efficient and aesthetic transition from the exterior to the interior. The extensive glass facades highlight transparency, allowing the landscape to become part of the interior experience. This approach is not merely for visuals; it emphasizes a sensory engagement with nature, encouraging occupants to connect with their surroundings meaningfully.

Furthermore, the incorporation of a vegetated roof enhances thermal insulation and promotes biodiversity, showcasing an innovative way to address environmental concerns commonly associated with contemporary architecture. This interaction between built and natural environments not only serves practical purposes but also communicates a philosophy of coexistence.

Focus on Materiality
The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the overall architectural expression of the project. Concrete is used for structural integrity, offering durability while enhancing the building's grounding in the landscape. Meanwhile, white oak flooring introduces warmth to the interior, promoting a sense of comfort in public and private spaces. The combination of steel decking and a watertight membrane ensures longevity and performance, rounding out a responsible material strategy aimed at resilience.

The balance between modern materials and organic design principles highlights a thoughtful approach to contemporary architecture. The project exemplifies how innovative design can coexist with environmental stewardship, achieving both aesthetic and functional goals.

For a more detailed understanding of the architectural ideas and techniques applied throughout this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs. These resources offer deeper insights into the spatial relationships and material choices that define this unique 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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