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Fluid Structure of Cross-Laminated Timber Embracing Seasonal Changes in Cultural Space

Fluid Structure of Cross-Laminated Timber Embracing Seasonal Changes in Cultural Space
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and an adaptive design that reflects seasonal variations, the museum creates a cultural space that merges seamlessly with the Finnish landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles to enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that responds to seasonal variations in climate.
04
Integrates natural light through large glass facades, creating a dynamic interior environment.
05
Establishes a strong connection with the waterfront, promoting community interaction.

## Overview
Located in Helsinki, Finland, the design of the Helsinki Design Museum reflects an intentional dialogue between urban space and the surrounding natural landscape. The project aims to create a multifunctional venue that serves not only as a museum but also as a communal space encouraging public interaction. By examining the interplay of Finnish environmental elements and contemporary design principles, the project seeks to foster a deeper connection between visitors and their natural surroundings.

## Spatial Organization and User Interaction
The spatial strategy of the museum is centered around enhancing urban connectivity and promoting user engagement. Its layout incorporates public plazas, walkways, and visually captivating transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitating movement and interaction among visitors. Flexible interior environments accommodate a variety of exhibitions and public programs, ensuring a diverse range of experiences that adapt with the seasons. The integration of expansive glazing optimizes natural light, improving visitor comfort while framing views of the surrounding landscape.

## Material Expression and Sustainability
Material selections are integral to the museum's design, reflecting both aesthetic and environmental considerations. Wood is employed to evoke organic forms and emphasize sustainability, while glass enhances transparency and openness, inviting natural light into the interior. Concrete provides structural integrity, grounding the design in its urban context, complemented by durable metal finishes. Green roof elements enrich the building's ecological footprint, encouraging biodiversity and thermal efficiency. This thoughtful materiality underscores a commitment to both architectural innovation and environmental stewardship.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
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Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
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Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
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Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
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Design a concrete pavilion

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Use architecture to create different emotional states

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Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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