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Elevated Reading Space Constructed with ETFE and Timber Integration to Enhance Urban Tranquility

Author:
Sum Tsui
Elevated Reading Space Constructed with ETFE and Timber Integration to Enhance Urban Tranquility

Project in-detail

Rooted in sustainability, the design incorporates a central live tree and the use of ETFE with timber, creating a serene urban reading space that fosters community engagement and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooted in a live tree, the design promotes ecological integration within urban settings.
02
ETFE panels provide weather protection while maximizing natural light for enhanced user experience.
03
Multi-level seating arrangements cater to diverse social interactions and personal reflection.
04
Cross-laminated timber construction emphasizes sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
05
Adaptive features allow for reconfiguration to suit various community needs and activities.

## Project Overview

The Oasis is a conceptual design focused on creating a tranquil reading environment within urban settings. This public structure aims to foster mindfulness and community interaction through literature and nature integration. The design reflects an understanding of the pressures of modern life, providing a dedicated space for individual reflection and communal engagement.

### Spatial Strategy

The design of the Oasis features a multi-level arrangement that facilitates diverse social interactions and solitary reading experiences. It includes an upper seating area, offering panoramic views that enhance the reading experience by connecting users with the outdoor landscape, and a lower seating area designed for privacy and concentration. An open space embedded with a live tree serves as a focal point, highlighting the relationship between built and natural elements and promoting a sense of permanence and continuity across seasons.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material choices are reflective of both aesthetic and functional considerations, emphasizing environmental sustainability. Timber serves as the core structural material, providing warmth and a natural ambiance. ETFE, known for its lightweight properties, allows for natural light filtration while offering protection from the elements. Anodized aluminum is utilized in the framework for durability and ease of assembly, while concrete provides a stable foundation. Integrated LED lighting enhances visibility and user comfort, contributing to an inviting atmosphere. Each material not only supports the structural integrity but also minimizes the environmental footprint, aligning with sustainable design 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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