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Fluid Bamboo Structure with Reflective Water Features for Community Engagement

Author:
Jacopo Montalenti
Fluid Bamboo Structure with Reflective Water Features for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Combining flexible bamboo construction with reflective water elements, this pavilion fosters community interaction and contemplation within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bamboo's natural flexibility to create fluid architectural forms.
02
Incorporates tensile fabrics for adaptable light and spatial conditions.
03
Features reflective water elements that enhance sensory experiences.
04
Promotes community engagement through modular, open spaces.
05
Designed to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape.
The Unity of Opposites Pavilion exemplifies a contemporary approach to architectural design focused on the theme of duality. The pavilion functions as a multipurpose gathering space, inviting visitors to engage in social interaction, reflection, and contemplation. It emphasizes the philosophical notion that contrasting elements can coexist harmoniously, drawing inspiration from ancient philosophical concepts.

The structure employs a combination of sustainable materials, primarily bamboo and tensile fabrics, to create an organic form that integrates seamlessly into its surrounding environment. Modular in design, the pavilion consists of flowing curves and open spaces that promote a sense of connection with nature. Reflective water features enhance the experience, providing visual depth while serving as a metaphor for fluidity and change.

Unique Materiality and Sustainability

The architecture of the Unity of Opposites Pavilion leverages bamboo for its structural integrity and sustainability. Bamboo's natural flexibility allows the design to achieve graceful forms typical of organic architecture. The use of tensile fabrics adds a layer of versatility, allowing for varying degrees of enclosure and exposure to the elements, thereby enabling the structure to adapt to its environment. This incorporation of lightweight, durable materials not only minimizes environmental impact but also facilitates an interaction between the built environment and natural elements.

Architectural Placement and Landscape Interaction

The pavilion’s placement within its landscape is critical to its design ethos. The structure is strategically positioned to encourage engagement with the surrounding ecosystem, creating a dialogue between the architecture and the natural environment. Landscaping elements, including native flora, complement the pavilion’s fluidity, promoting a harmonious relationship that encourages exploration and interaction. Water features within the site reflect light and provide gentle sounds, enriching sensory experiences for visitors.

The Unity of Opposites Pavilion serves as a multifunctional space that transcends traditional architectural boundaries by blurring the lines between architecture and nature. This project invites further exploration through architectural plans and sections that reveal the intricacies of its design and the relationships between its various elements. To gain deeper insights into the architectural ideas that inform this pavilion, reviewing detailed architectural designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of its innovative approach.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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