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Gold-Capped Geometry in a Straw-Roofed Community Pavilion

Author:
German Sandoval
Gold-Capped Geometry in a Straw-Roofed Community Pavilion

Project in-detail

A beam of light rises from a gold-capped voxel atop a straw-roofed structure, blending organic geometry with local materials to create a multifunctional pavilion that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A beam of light projects from the pavilion’s center into the sky.
02
The structure integrates a gold-capped voxel, enhancing its visual identity.
03
Locally sourced straw is used to cover the roof for sustainability.
04
The design is influenced by the Seed of Life geometric pattern.
05
Interconnected spaces facilitate diverse community activities and gatherings.

The pavilion titled "Crop of Light" is located in Glastonbury, UK, a place known for its deep historical and spiritual background. Functioning as a community space, it accommodates performance areas, workshops, galleries, and a café. The design is rooted in the Seed of Life, an ancient symbol that influences its geometric form while capturing themes of creation and the connection between humanity and the universe.

Design Concept
- The design integrates elements from historical architecture, creating a blend of past and present influences. The pavilion represents not just a structure but a narrative about the continuity of life. Each geometric aspect serves to enhance the experience of those who visit, promoting moments of reflection and interaction.

Spatial Arrangement
- Interconnected areas within the pavilion support a range of activities, encouraging community participation. The layout allows visitors to easily move between spaces, fostering engagement while providing opportunities for personal contemplation. Consideration of circulation patterns ensures a simple yet effective flow throughout the entire building.

Material Considerations
- Attention to sustainability is evident in the materials chosen for the pavilion. Key materials include locally sourced wood, which forms the structure, and straw, used for the roofing. These choices highlight a connection to the nearby environment. Gold also features as a cap on the top voxel, introducing a visual element that carries symbolic meaning.

Environmental Integration
- The pavilion employs alternative energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, which are designed to minimize its ecological impact. A notable aspect is the beam of light that rises from the center and extends into the sky. This feature illustrates a connection to the cosmos and serves as a focal point within the design, connecting the structure with its historical and natural surroundings.

The overall design reflects a balance of form and function, creating an inviting space that resonates with the site’s spiritual heritage. Light plays a significant role in the experience, casting patterns that enhance the pavilion's visual character while enriching the atmosphere within.

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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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