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Dichroic Design Featuring Sound-Absorbing Panels and Energy-Generating Flooring

Authors:
Julia Mainenti, Dario Ricci
Dichroic Design Featuring Sound-Absorbing Panels and Energy-Generating Flooring

Project in-detail

A conical structure with a mirrored exterior and multicolored dichroic film panels integrates innovative sound absorption and energy-generating flooring to create an immersive space for user engagement and enjoyment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A conical form enhances airflow and natural light within the space.
02
Mirrored surfaces provide acoustic benefits while reflecting the environment.
03
Multicolored dichroic film creates dynamic visual effects based on angles.
04
Touchscreen panels offer interactive music experiences for users.
05
Flooring generates energy from user movement through Pavegen technology.

The Hexagon project offers a unique architectural solution designed to enhance the relationship between users and their environment. It features a conical shape that serves as a primary design element, promoting a functional connection between the interior and the outside landscape. The hexagonal base supports this form, ensuring both stability and an appealing aesthetic.

Concept and Form

Hexagon's distinctive conical shape creates a dialogue between its interior spaces and the surroundings. This design allows for optimal natural light and airflow while still maintaining privacy for users. The geometry emphasizes a modern approach to creating immersive experiences within a compact area, aiming to enrich the user’s time spent inside.

Materials and Surfaces

A mix of surfaces enhances the experience within Hexagon. The opaque sections utilize a mirrored finish combined with sound-absorbing panels, improving the acoustic properties of the space. Embedded touch screen panels offer auditory and interactive features, catering to contemporary needs for entertainment and information.

On the other hand, the transparent sections consist of acrylic panels layered with multicolored dichroic film. This film changes appearance based on viewing angles, adding a dynamic visual quality. The interplay of light and color creates engaging moments throughout the day, deepening the connection to the environment.

Sustainable Design Features

An important aspect of Hexagon is its commitment to sustainability. The flooring system uses Pavegen technology, which captures kinetic energy from footsteps. This feature highlights the aim of harnessing everyday actions for energy production, linking users to the ecological systems around them.

The conical opening at the top allows for continuous air exchange while maintaining a sense of openness. This design fosters a connection with the outside environment, establishing Hexagon as a place that balances functionality with ecological awareness. The thoughtful details create an inviting space while promoting sustainable practices.

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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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