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Elliptical Glass Façade with Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility

Author:
Peter Pabel
Elliptical Glass Façade with Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility

Project in-detail

An elliptical glass façade, integrated photovoltaic systems, and a focus on sustainable water management define a cutting-edge laboratory dedicated to advancing research in life sciences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features an elliptical form that enhances natural light and movement throughout the facility.
02
Integrated photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute to the building's energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
03
Sustainable water management systems incorporate features like biofiltration to support the surrounding landscape.
04
Collaborative spaces designed for flexibility encourage interdisciplinary interactions among researchers.
05
A transparent glass façade establishes visual connectivity between indoor laboratories and the external environment.

### Architectural Design Report: Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building, Humboldt University, Berlin

#### Overview
The Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building at Humboldt University in Berlin provides a state-of-the-art facility for the Life Sciences department. Its design reflects a commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research while being thoughtfully integrated into the urban environment. This structure aims to support the advancement of scientific inquiry through a cohesive architectural narrative.

#### Conceptual Framework
The architectural concept draws inspiration from the theme of water, symbolizing its essential role in life sciences as well as its characteristics of adaptability and connectivity. This theme permeates the design, facilitating the free flow of ideas and collaboration across different research disciplines.

#### Materiality and Design Elements
A diverse palette of materials reinforces the building's thematic narrative. The predominant use of glass enhances transparency, maximizing natural light and providing views of the surrounding landscape. Concrete features lend structural integrity while contrasting with the lightness of the glass. Sustainability is woven into the design through the incorporation of photovoltaic elements on the roof, which harness solar energy, as well as various water management systems that contribute to energy regulation.

The building is characterized by its elliptical form, which reflects organic biological shapes and fosters circulation among users. The spatial organization comprises flexible work areas that can be connected or isolated as needed, encouraging spontaneous interactions among researchers. Extensive landscaping further enriches the environment, with gardens and seating areas that enhance user experience and well-being.

Functionally, the building combines open and enclosed spaces to support a range of activities, from focused research to collaborative discussions. Natural light floods the open stairwell, serving as both a circulation route and a social hub, effectively embodying the communal aspect of scientific endeavors.

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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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