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Curvilinear Lattice and Natural Light Define a Contemporary Tattoo Academy with Concrete and Wood Elements

Authors:
Elena Xipolia, Thanos Balafoutis, Andreas Tzinis, Eugenia Assimakopoulou
Curvilinear Lattice and Natural Light Define a Contemporary Tattoo Academy with Concrete and Wood Elements

Project in-detail

A curvilinear lattice façade envelops a blend of concrete and wood, creating a well-lit environment for a dynamic tattoo academy that fosters artistic expression and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A curvilinear lattice façade enhances both aesthetics and natural light while providing structural support.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for sustainability and thermal efficiency throughout the building.
03
The design incorporates a unique water feature that promotes a tranquil atmosphere for creative activities.
04
An amphitheater within the facility allows for flexible educational and community programming.
05
Charred wooden shingles on the exterior contribute to fire resistance and low maintenance requirements.

### Project Overview
Located in Melbourne, the Ink Cocoon serves as an educational facility dedicated to the art of tattooing. This architectural design merges functional spaces with artistic expression, reflecting the complexities and nuances of tattoo culture. Intent on fostering a creative environment, the project integrates various thematic elements of body art, connecting users with the act of expression both physically and conceptually.

### Spatial Organization and Interaction
The building is organized across two levels, with Level 1 housing reception areas, a guest house, and multifunctional spaces such as an amphitheater. Level 2 features workshop areas, a coffee shop, and a public gallery. The spatial configuration promotes versatility, allowing for diverse use scenarios that can accommodate both community events and intimate workshops. Open, flexible interior spaces facilitate interaction among users, while circulation paths enhance natural flow and engagement.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
The design employs a distinctive black lattice exterior that serves as a protective skin, echoing the theme of ink's relationship with skin. This structural element not only contributes to visual interest but also ensures structural stability. Key materials include reinforced concrete for its raw aesthetic, extensive glass installations for natural light, and warm natural wood for finishes, creating a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. Outdoor terraces and integrated water features are incorporated to further encourage connections with the landscape and promote ecological sustainability.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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