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Cylindrical Community Space Featuring Glass Facades and Natural Wood Elements

Author:
Jorge Cobo Susperregui
Cylindrical Community Space Featuring Glass Facades and Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Cylindrical forms of cross-laminated timber panels and expansive glass facades redefine urban living by creating a multifunctional community space atop Manhattan rooftops.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical water tank forms dominate the design, enhancing spatial efficiency and urban aesthetics.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support while contributing to a sustainable framework.
03
Ample glass facades ensure natural light penetrates deep into communal areas and residential spaces.
04
Rooftop gardens integrate greenery into the urban fabric and promote biodiversity.
05
Flexible spaces accommodate multiple functions, fostering community engagement and interaction.

### Overview

Located in Manhattan, New York, the project draws upon the architectural legacy of the city's iconic water tank structures. These traditional elements, found atop many buildings throughout the urban landscape, serve as both functional and historical touchpoints. The design reinterprets these water tanks as multifunctional spaces, integrating contemporary living and community engagement while respecting the architectural context of the area.

### Spatial Transformation

The design consists of cylindrical forms that mirror the profile of existing water tanks, repurposed to include residential units, communal areas, and observation platforms. This spatial strategy emphasizes adaptability, reflecting diverse uses while fostering social interaction among residents. Rooftop gardens are integrated into the design, promoting community interaction and enhancing the urban ecology.

### Materiality and Aesthetics

Material selection plays a critical role in articulating the concept of transformation. Proposed materials include wood for warmth, metal to honor the industrial character of traditional tanks, glass to enhance transparency and connectivity, and steel for structural integrity. The aesthetic composition features a combination of open and enclosed spaces, harnessing natural light through large windows and glass facades. Vertical lines echoing water tanks define the façade, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that elevates the overall visual experience.

These elements not only preserve the historical essence of the water tanks but also address contemporary urban living needs, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to architecture within a dense metropolitan 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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