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Harnessing Polycarbonate Façades for Year-Round Functionality in a Green Community Hub

Authors:
Jorge Aldama, Nicolas Ovejero
Harnessing Polycarbonate Façades for Year-Round Functionality in a Green Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing a double skin of polycarbonate, the design integrates semi-outdoor spaces that enhance thermal performance while accommodating public and private functions within a cohesive community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a double skin of polycarbonate for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates semi-outdoor spaces for year-round usability.
03
Features a ground floor designed with minimal structural disruption.
04
Strategically removes an existing staircase to optimize interior layout.
05
Promotes community engagement through interconnected public and private areas.

The Omuli Green House project combines thoughtful design with practical functionality, set in an environment that encourages interaction with nature. It serves various roles, including spaces for public activities and private retreats. The design emphasizes a connection between the inside and outside, creating an inviting atmosphere while focusing on user comfort and energy efficiency.

Architectural Framework

The layout features two lateral volumes surrounding a central core, which makes the best use of space. This design promotes easy movement throughout the building, with the north-south axis aiding circulation. At the same time, the east-west orientation allows for effective communication between service areas. Public spaces, like workshops, are located on the ground floor for easy access, while private areas are positioned above. A double skin system supports thermal efficiency, contributing to the building's energy management.

Intervention and Adaptability

The plan includes semi-outdoor areas that improve the overall user experience, allowing the spaces to be functional throughout the year. By utilizing the greenhouse effect, these areas can be used in various weather conditions. A double-height space on the ground floor incorporates a polycarbonate façade that assists with cooling in the workshop. This design choice plays a key role in maintaining thermal comfort for users, ensuring a pleasant indoor environment.

Spatial Configuration

The ground floor is designed to maximize natural light and minimize changes to existing structures. Some walls are retained while wood framing is exposed, showcasing the building's integrity. The design removes one staircase to create a nucleus that accommodates essential services, such as kitchens and bathrooms, making the best use of available space.

On the upper floor, rooms are arranged around communal areas, with existing chimneys providing warmth through fireplaces. This layout encourages interaction among guests while maintaining privacy when needed.

Thermal and Heating Strategies

Heating systems are customized for each floor. The first floor uses a water heating system connected to an accumulator, while the second floor employs passive heating through fireplaces, allowing occupants to control their comfort. The phased construction of the façade culminates in a metal framework that increases height and adds skylights, which bring in natural light and enhance the overall design.

The project also integrates outdoor exhibits and activities related to the museum, which foster public engagement. A network of pathways connects various experiences, improving accessibility. This design concludes with a covered terrace, extending the living space outside and encouraging a close relationship with the surrounding environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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