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Geothermal Efficiency With Steel Truss Framework and Biophilic Connections in a Community Gathering Space

Authors:
Ammer Harb, Zeyad Fayrouz
Geothermal Efficiency With Steel Truss Framework and Biophilic Connections in a Community Gathering Space

Project in-detail

Designed with a steel truss framework and enhanced by geothermal energy, the community hub seamlessly integrates a greenhouse and dining space, promoting ecological awareness and social interaction in a thoughtfully crafted environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates geothermal energy for heating and cooling, minimizing environmental impact.
02
Features large glazed areas that enhance natural light while connecting occupants with the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes a suspended transparency bridge, allowing fluid movement and interaction between different areas of the site.
04
Includes urban farming components, promoting food sovereignty and community engagement.
05
Employs a steel truss framework that provides structural integrity while maintaining an open aesthetic.
The architectural project titled "Human & Other-than-Human Co-Existence" presents a thoughtful exploration of the interplay between human spaces and the natural environment. This design initiative embodies a vision that prioritizes not only human comfort but also the broader ecosystem, illustrating a shift towards more inclusive architectural practices. By redefining relationships between living organisms and their habitats, this project aspires to cultivate a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life.

Functionally, the project serves as a multifaceted community hub that integrates living spaces with areas for gathering, learning, and cultivating. The layout strategically incorporates a greenhouse and dining hall, which not only cater to the functional needs of the community but also emphasize the importance of sustainability and ecological awareness. These spaces are designed to provide fresh produce through urban agriculture, thereby fostering community engagement and promoting food sovereignty.

At its core, the architecture illustrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. This is evident in the careful selection of materials, which emphasize sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The use of a steel profile roof offers structural resilience while maintaining an open, airy quality within the space. Complementing this, finish hardwood flooring connects residents to the natural world, enhancing the tactile experience of the interior environments. Furthermore, double glazing units play a crucial role in creating transparent visual connections to the surrounding landscape; they maximize natural light while improving energy efficiency.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, exemplified by the suspended transparency bridge that facilitates seamless movement between points on the site. This bridge not only serves a functional purpose but also symbolizes the project’s ethos of connectivity and fluidity, both among occupants and between humans and nature. The utilization of geothermal energy highlights the design’s innovative approach to sustainable living, underscoring the architecture’s alignment with natural cycles.

The project’s spatial arrangement is carefully orchestrated to encourage interaction among occupants, fostering both community and reflection. Interaction zones are thoughtfully integrated into the design, creating opportunities for informal gatherings and quiet contemplation alike. Large glazed areas within key spaces invite occupants to engage with the enchanting external environment, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.

Additionally, the architectural style reflects a modern sensibility that balances minimalism with organic forms. The tiered layout of the spaces enhances visual connectivity, allowing occupants to navigate through different elevations and perspectives. This layered experience adds richness to the overall interaction with the architecture, making the journey through the building as significant as the destination.

The "Human & Other-than-Human Co-Existence" project represents a significant step forward in architectural design—a conscious effort to create inclusive spaces that respect and celebrate the delicate balance of ecosystems. Through thoughtful planning and innovative design strategies, this project not only meets the needs of its human occupants but also acknowledges the critical role of other life forms in our shared environment.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs will provide valuable insights into the thoughtful methodologies employed throughout the architectural process. Furthermore, the examination of architectural ideas represented in this project can inspire future endeavors aimed at enhancing the coexistence between human and non-human realms. Discover more about the project's intricate details and overarching philosophy in the project presentation.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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