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Human Hair Felt Panels and Glulam Timber Create an Engaging Community Space

Author:
Emilija Kaia-zemyna Landsbergis
Human Hair Felt Panels and Glulam Timber Create an Engaging Community Space

Project in-detail

Crafted using human hair felt panels and glulam timber, the pavilion serves as an interactive community space that reflects local cultural heritage while prioritizing sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using repurposed human hair felt, offering a sustainable roofing alternative.
02
Incorporates glulam birchwood for structural integrity and local resource utilization.
03
Features a dome-like form that enhances acoustics and visual interest.
04
Design reflects Estonian cultural heritage, creating a narrative through architecture.
05
Utilizes bolted joinery connections, ensuring stability while allowing flexibility.
The SOENG Pavilion represents a contemporary architectural endeavor in Tallinn, Estonia, embodying themes of identity, sustainability, and cultural heritage. This project integrates innovative design elements with locally sourced materials, presenting a multifaceted approach to public architecture. The pavilion serves as an interactive gathering space that fosters community engagement while reflecting the artistic expression inherent in Estonian culture.

Material and Structural Approach

The design of the pavilion prominently features glulam birchwood, a material selected for its structural integrity and connection to local craftsmanship. The use of laminated timber aligns with sustainability goals, leveraging renewable resources in its construction. The pavilion's design showcases a unique assembly of stiffened human hair felt panels. This innovative material not only offers a visual connection to the project’s conceptual origins but also represents a sustainable alternative by repurposing waste materials. The domed forms crafted from these panels create an inviting atmosphere, suitable for various community activities.

The connections between the wood structure and the felt panels are achieved through bolted joinery, emphasizing structural stability while allowing flexibility in the design. This combination of traditional timber construction techniques and innovative material usage highlights a dual focus on durability and aesthetic appeal.

Cultural Significance and Interactive Design

The project draws inspiration from the Estonian word "Soeng," meaning hair, which emphasizes the relationship between the pavilion and local cultural practices. This focus on identity offers a narrative dimension to the architectural experience, allowing visitors to engage with the pavilion not only as a physical space but also as a symbol of cultural expression.

The design encourages interaction through shaded areas and open spaces for social gatherings. The layout is intentional, inviting community members to partake in activities and events, thus enhancing the pavilion's role as a social hub. The vibrant colors of the felt panels reflect the natural environment, creating a cohesive visual language that complements the historical backdrop of Tallinn.

To understand the architectural nuances of the SOENG Pavilion, exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide deeper insights into the unique blend of materiality and cultural significance that the project embodies. Visit the project presentation to uncover more about its design features and functions.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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