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Floating Roof Structure Composed of Translucent Glass and Concrete for Community Engagement

Authors:
Carlos Benavides, Laura Vanegas
Floating Roof Structure Composed of Translucent Glass and Concrete for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A floating roof constructed from translucent glass and concrete creates an inviting landmark that enhances community interaction through versatile gathering spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
A floating roof design enhances natural light and reduces energy consumption.
02
Translucent glass panels allow for transparency while maintaining privacy in communal areas.
03
Curved concrete forms create a visually dynamic structure that softens the urban landscape.
04
Landscaped outdoor spaces integrate natural greenery into the overall design.
05
Versatile gathering spaces can accommodate a variety of community functions and events.

## Overview

Located at a pivotal urban intersection, the Aula Galeno project emphasizes the integration of contemporary design with public functionality. The intent is to promote community engagement through a distinct architectural identity that complements its urban surroundings while enhancing the quality of public space.

### Spatial Dynamics and Architectural Concept

The building's design is characterized by a roof that creates the visual illusion of floatation, featuring elegant curves that soften the starkness of the urban environment. This design invites exploration and alters the visitor's perception as they approach and enter the space. Translucent materials play a significant role, facilitating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that evolves throughout the day, while the overall geometry promotes a sense of fluidity akin to natural forms.

Moreover, the structure includes various functional areas designed to accommodate a range of activities. The ground level features an open plaza that serves as a welcoming entrance, complemented by landscaped seating areas. The mezzanine houses versatile meeting and conference rooms equipped with modern technology, as well as comfortable staff areas to ensure effective interaction with visitors. Subterranean levels are designed for storage, service, and artistic expression, contributing to a multifaceted building program.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reinforces the project’s conceptual framework while ensuring durability and functionality. Key materials include translucent glass panels that offer natural light and protection from the elements, concrete for structural geometries, and wood in interior spaces to create warmth. Textured stone paving enhances outdoor areas, providing a tactile experience that complements the visual aspects of the design.

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the project, featuring passive cooling strategies that reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Green roofs and extensive landscaping contribute to biodiversity and habitat creation within the urban context, supporting the overall environmental goals of the design. The integration of public art installations within the space further enhances its cultural significance while encouraging community interaction and dialogue.

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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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