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Fractal Geometry and Timber Integration in an Educational Pavilion

Author:
Edoardo Mentegazzi
Fractal Geometry and Timber Integration in an Educational Pavilion

Project in-detail

Employing fractal geometry and timber construction, the pavilion offers an interactive educational space that challenges traditional architectural forms while highlighting sustainability and material efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fractal patterns influence both the structural and aesthetic design of the pavilion.
02
Timber walls support dynamic exhibition panels, enhancing functionality.
03
The pavilion includes modular seating that evolves from the floor's design.
04
Natural light filters through perforated panels, creating shifting shadow patterns.
05
An interactive display educates visitors about fractal geometry and timber use.

The Fractal Pavilion is a contemporary installation situated in the internal yard of the Faculty of Architecture in Turin, Italy. Designed as a temporary structure, it engages with themes of geometry and materiality. The pavilion blends design with function, serving as an exhibition space and a platform for exploring the versatility of timber as a building material.

Fractal Geometry

The design capitalizes on the principles of fractal geometry, utilizing self-similar patterns to shape the space. These patterns start at the ground level and extend upwards through seating modules and a central display stand. This spatial organization fosters a dynamic environment for visitors, encouraging exploration and interaction from various perspectives.

Structural Components

Timber serves as the primary material in the pavilion's construction, chosen for its ecological benefits and visual appeal. The timber walls provide essential support while also acting as visually striking backdrops for exhibition panels. This combination highlights the practical use of timber, demonstrating its relevance and adaptability in modern architectural practices.

Self-Supported Structure

The pavilion develops into a self-supported grid-shell, which showcases the recursive nature of fractal principles. The repetitive geometric forms echo the idea of self-similarity, transforming complex theories into a practical, usable space. This approach underscores the structural integrity of the pavilion while presenting a coherent visual experience.

Interactive Features

At the heart of the pavilion, an interactive display introduces the theoretical ideas behind the design. This feature invites visitors to engage with fractal geometry, providing a hands-on way to understand its concepts. The pavilion not only serves its purpose as a functional space but also enriches the educational experience for visitors and students alike.

Natural light filters through a series of perforations in the panels, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow. This adds to the atmosphere, enhancing the experience and inviting deeper reflection on the relationship between light and structure.

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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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