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Gabion Walls and Floating Platforms Elevate Community Interaction in a Contemporary Landscape

Authors:
Jerome w Haferd, K brandt Knapp, Keren Dillard, Anete Luste
Gabion Walls and Floating Platforms Elevate Community Interaction in a Contemporary Landscape

Project in-detail

Using gabion walls and floating platforms, the design creates a unique blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that foster community interaction while serving as a dynamic gathering place for equestrian activities and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates gabion walls filled with locally sourced stones, creating a visual and material connection to the surrounding landscape.
02
Floating platforms are strategically positioned to offer dynamic views while enhancing user experiences in both indoor and outdoor settings.
03
The structure's central core includes accessible vertical circulation, ensuring ease of movement for all users throughout varying levels.
04
Natural ventilation is promoted through the use of perforated aluminum mesh, allowing for airflow while maintaining an open aesthetic.
05
The integration of historical landscape concepts, such as stigas, informs the spatial arrangement and purpose of the gathering spaces within the design.
The project presents a unique architectural response to the integration of historical context and contemporary function within a specific landscape. It symbolizes a reconnection with the past while meeting present-day needs, offering a multifunctional gathering space that engages both community and nature. This design serves as more than just a structure; it encapsulates the essence of the site’s rich history and cultural narrative, specifically the concept of "stigas," referring to historical forest clearings. These clearings were vital for territorial maintenance, and the project aims to revive their significance through modern architectural practice.

Functionally, the project serves as a hub for various activities, emphasizing the interaction between humans and horses. This dual focus acknowledges the importance of equine culture within the community while providing a versatile space for social gatherings, educational opportunities, and recreational pursuits. The lower level of the design acts as a vibrant entrance, seamlessly accommodating both equestrian functions and community interactions. From hosting local events to serving as an educational space about the history and ecology of the surrounding areas, the building promotes a sense of belonging and engagement.

Key architectural components include a series of floating platforms that provide distinctive perspectives of the landscape. These platforms are thoughtfully arranged to encourage a gradual ascent, allowing visitors to experience different views as they move through the space. The central core, which includes a lift and stairway, ensures accessibility to all users, reinforcing the project’s commitment to inclusivity.

The use of gabion walls is a significant aspect of the design, combining both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Made of galvanized metal mesh filled with locally sourced stones, these walls serve not only to define the architectural form but also to connect the building materially and contextually to the landscape. The choice of materials reflects the project’s ethos of durability and low maintenance while enhancing its visual connection to the surrounding environment.

The architectural design also incorporates perforated aluminum mesh within the platforms, promoting ventilation and visibility while maintaining an open atmosphere. This careful consideration of materials contributes to a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enriching the visitor experience as they ascend through the structure.

What sets this project apart is its sensitivity to historical and ecological narratives. By referencing the historical landscape patterns of the Kurgi area, the project does more than serve contemporary needs; it fosters an appreciation of the landscape's ongoing story. The stacked levels of the design create a spatial journey that not only engages visitors but also educates them about the historical significance of the stigas, weaving a narrative that connects past, present, and future.

In summary, this architectural project stands as a thoughtful example of how design can bridge the gap between history and modern functionality. The integration of community needs with historical context invites a deeper connection to the landscape and its heritage. Those interested in exploring this project further can delve into the architectural plans, sections, and designs, gaining comprehensive insights into the innovative ideas that underpin this thoughtful architectural endeavor.
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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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