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Floating Structure Crafted From Timber With Solar Integration Enhances Lakeside Community Engagement

Authors:
Selina Jäger, Johanna Fitschen, Fenja Yasmin Buchgraber
Floating Structure Crafted From Timber With Solar Integration Enhances Lakeside Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced timber and designed to float on a tranquil lake, this community hub integrates solar energy and offers seamless access to nature, serving as a welcoming space for reading and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure is designed to float on water, minimizing environmental impact and soil disruption.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their strength and sustainability, enhancing overall design integrity.
03
Solar panels are integrated into the roof to provide renewable energy for the facility.
04
Charred wooden shingles contribute to durability and create a unique aesthetic that blends with the natural surroundings.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and provides expansive views of the lake and mountains.
The "Floating Stories" project presents an innovative architectural design that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, particularly designed for a serene lakeside location. This project embodies a thoughtful exploration of space, function, and environmental sensitivity, striving to create a community-oriented hub that celebrates literature and fosters social interaction while maintaining a close relationship with nature.

At its core, the "Floating Stories" project represents a modern interpretation of public spaces that encourage reading and cultural exchange. This multi-functional design not only offers a place for individuals to engage with books but also serves as a social environment for people of all ages to gather, discuss, and share experiences. The architects envisioned a floating structure to evoke a sense of tranquility, reflective of the calming nature of a lakeside setting.

The architectural design is characterized by an inviting layout that showcases various key elements, playable through flexible arrangements. The floating dock, a central component of the project, provides direct access to the water and invites users to immerse themselves in the natural world. Seating areas are designed with versatility in mind, accommodating diverse activities such as relaxation, group discussions, and solitary reading. These spaces are thoughtfully integrated with adjustable features, allowing configurations that cater to different user preferences and social dynamics.

In terms of materiality, the primary use of wood throughout the structure is intentional, emphasizing sustainability while also creating a warm and inviting aesthetic. Wood not only resonates with the organic setting of the lake but also promotes an environmentally responsible approach. Accompanying this, solar panels are strategically integrated into the design, harnessing renewable energy to power lighting systems, thereby reducing the project's carbon footprint. This combination of materials exemplifies a commitment to ecological balance while enhancing the overall user experience within the space.

Unique design approaches characterize "Floating Stories" and further enhance its value as a public space. Specifically, the incorporation of glass elements into certain design features, such as the bookshelves, allows for ample natural light and visual connectivity between the interior and exterior environments. This fluidity invites not only light but also the beauty of the surrounding landscape into the heart of the project, fostering a sense of place and connection for all visitors.

Furthermore, the project includes practical features like bike stands, promoting alternative forms of transportation and accessibility. This design consideration encourages a hub of activity that is both sustainable and community-focused, aligning with the project's thematic principles.

Overall, the "Floating Stories" project stands as a thoughtful contribution to contemporary architectural discourse, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create meaningful experiences while respecting and enhancing the environment. The architectural plans and sections reveal intricate details of the layout and user interaction areas that reflect the project's intentions, while the visual representation of architectural designs conveys its harmony with nature. These elements culminate in a project that invites exploration and engagement with the written word, community sharing, and the natural world. Readers interested in obtaining deeper insights into this project are encouraged to explore the presentation further, reviewing architectural plans and designs to appreciate the comprehensive vision and thought processes that have shaped "Floating Stories."
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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