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Floating Staircases and Glass Facades in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Romann Jouet, Paul Cazaux-debat, Jules Dacheux
Floating Staircases and Glass Facades in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

A floating staircase and expansive glass facades define an environmentally conscious community hub that seamlessly integrates digital art and nature, fostering connection and collaboration among its users.
5 key facts about this project
01
The floating staircase creates an illusion of weightlessness, enhancing the spatial experience.
02
Modular office spaces can adapt to accommodate various group sizes for enhanced flexibility.
03
A dedicated gallery area showcases digital art, encouraging community interaction with contemporary creativity.
04
The integration of smart display technology facilitates real-time collaboration among users.
05
Natural light permeates the interiors through extensive glass facades, connecting users to the surrounding landscape.
The VIREAL project represents a significant exploration in contemporary architecture, bridging the gap between physical reality and virtual experiences. This architectural endeavor is designed to function as a multifaceted space where users can interact with various elements of both the real world and the metaverse. The concept behind VIREAL focuses on creating a meeting point for individuals, allowing them to engage with innovative landscapes and integrate their real-world experiences with virtual exploration.

At the heart of the project lies the notion of connection. VIREAL is not merely a residential structure; it serves as a platform for community interaction, facilitating both personal and shared experiences. The design emphasizes an open layout that fosters collaboration and creativity, with living areas, office sections, and exhibition spaces organically flowing into one another. This fluidity allows users to navigate through different activities effortlessly, whether engaging in meetings, conversing with others, or appreciating digital art.

One of the standout features of the VIREAL house is its modular arrangement, which accommodates adaptability based on user needs. The living area, designed to be inviting and multifunctional, features minimalist furniture that encourages flexibility. The office space is particularly noteworthy, capable of hosting a dozen users and enhancing productivity through smart technologies. Here, transparency plays a crucial role, as a smart display screen allows for real-time information sharing and interaction among users, reinforcing the concept of collaboration in the digital age.

Materiality is a key aspect of VIREAL’s architectural makeup. The prominent use of glass throughout the building creates a sense of openness and connectivity with the surrounding environment. The transparency of the glass allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interiors while offering picturesque views of the exteriors, ensuring users remain connected to the natural world. Complementing the glass, concrete is employed as a structural element, providing stability and permanence. Metal accents are utilized in the design of furniture and fixtures, introducing a contemporary touch that balances the softer elements of the interior.

Unique design approaches are evident in the architectural expression of VIREAL. The floating staircase is one such element that draws attention; it not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also exemplifies the project’s connection to a virtual realm. The staircase appears detached from traditional architectural constraints, embodying the fluidity and freedom associated with virtual spaces. Similarly, the outdoor deck extends the indoor experience into nature, creating an environment conducive to relaxation and reflection.

Another innovative element is the exhibition space that displays digital art, which further elevates the project as a cultural hub. The integration of art within a residential setting encourages creativity and dialogue among users, making VIREAL much more than a home; it becomes a place of inspiration and innovation. As users engage with the digital representations of art, they can also explore the nuances of virtual ownership and interaction in a broader sense.

In summary, VIREAL reflects a thoughtful approach to modern living, merging architectural design with digital experiences. This project stands as a testament to the evolving nature of architecture, where traditional boundaries are redefined, and new possibilities emerge. The careful consideration of spatial organization, materiality, and user interaction makes VIREAL an exemplary model in contemporary architectural practice. The architectural ideas presented in this project urge viewers to contemplate how spaces can serve as dynamic platforms for both individual expression and communal connection. For a deeper understanding of how these principles are executed within the VIREAL project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs featured in its presentation.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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