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Dynamic Glass Facade Integrated with Natural Stone and Ecological Water Garden in a Multimodal Transport Hub

Author:
Sixuan Chen
Dynamic Glass Facade Integrated with Natural Stone and Ecological Water Garden in a Multimodal Transport Hub

Project in-detail

A dynamic glass facade harmoniously blends with natural stone and an integrated water garden, redefining a multimodal transport hub to enhance public accessibility and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic glass facade adjusts transparency based on daylight.
02
Includes a human-scale ecological water garden for biodiversity.
03
Natural stone elements connect the design to the site's history.
04
Multiple distinct entry points enhance pedestrian flow and accessibility.
05
Sustainable materials incorporate recycled composites for reduced impact.

### Project Overview
Located in New York City, the initiative to revitalize Penn Station addresses the evolving demands of urban transit. The design intends to enhance accessibility, aesthetic quality, and functional efficiency while respecting the site's historical significance. Through its architectural framework, the project aims to establish a modern identity for this critical transportation hub.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization
The design employs a geometric layout characterized by angular forms and dynamic lines that reflect the movement inherent in a transit environment. A series of clearly defined entry points facilitate pedestrian flow while improving visibility and accessibility. These distinct pathways are strategically planned to engage with the surrounding urban fabric, ensuring that the station not only serves as a transit point but also functions as a social gathering space.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing durability and a contemporary appearance. Extensive use of glass in the façade allows natural light to permeate the interior, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Steel reinforces structural resilience, enabling large open areas, while natural stone elements preserve the historic character of the station. The design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and eco-friendly finishes to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the project features a water garden that promotes biodiversity and offers a tranquil environment, underscoring the commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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