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Floating Sculpture of Glass Reinforced Plastic and Steel Truss Celebrating Women's Legacy

Author:
Amna Alhammadi
Floating Sculpture of Glass Reinforced Plastic and Steel Truss Celebrating Women's Legacy

Project in-detail

Constructed from glass reinforced plastic and a steel truss frame, this floating sculpture on water embodies the challenges and achievements of women in the architectural field, serving as a tribute to their legacy and inspiring future generations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvy silhouette represents a female form, embodying fluidity and creativity.
02
Engraved names of female architects acknowledge their contributions and history.
03
Steel truss structure provides stability while enhancing visual elegance.
04
Installation floats on water, symbolizing the journey and resilience of women.
05
Glass reinforced plastic cladding ensures durability and weather resistance.

UNFRAMED is an installation that honors the development and future goals of women in architecture. Situated on the surface of water, the design features a flowing form that abstractly represents a female silhouette. The work pays tribute to the legacy of Zaha Hadid, while also highlighting the historical struggles and successes of female architects within the field.

Form and Structure

The main visual component of UNFRAMED consists of a curvy silhouette that captures the essence of women's creativity. This choice is deliberate and serves to communicate themes of empowerment and resilience. Surrounding this curvy shape is a structural frame that symbolizes the barriers that women have faced in their professional journeys, reflecting the limitations that have often restricted their roles in architecture.



Symbolic Elements

A notable aspect of the design is the upward extension from the top of the frame. This feature represents breaking through limitations and reaching for new opportunities. It encourages future generations of women in design to defy traditional boundaries. The installation also includes engravings of names of influential female architects along its length. This detail recognizes their contributions and emphasizes the ongoing narrative of strength and determination among women in the field.



Location and Context

The decision to place the installation on water adds significant meaning to the work. This setting serves as a reflection of the challenges many women experience in their careers. It illustrates their capacity to navigate difficulties while pursuing success. The water surrounding the sculpture enhances its visual appeal and strengthens its themes of struggle and achievement within architecture.



Materiality

The construction utilizes a steel truss system that has been treated to withstand various weather conditions. This provides needed support and durability. Cladding made from glass reinforced plastic contributes to the seamless appearance and ensures that the installation remains resilient over time. Together, these materials not only support the structure but also align with its design intentions.

The attention to detail in UNFRAMED, along with its thoughtful use of materials and context, creates a powerful statement about gender representation in the architectural landscape.

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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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