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Layered Façade of Glass and Timber Envelops A Community-Centric Artist Retreat

Authors:
SIMONA PIERI, FRANCESCO DE SANCTIS
Layered Façade of Glass and Timber Envelops A Community-Centric Artist Retreat

Project in-detail

A layered façade of transparent glass and textured timber panels defines a communal space designed to nurture creativity and collaboration among artists in the heart of Bangkok.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered façade combines transparent glass and textured timber for aesthetic and functional integration.
02
Flexible interior layouts accommodate various artistic practices and community events.
03
Incorporation of green terraces enhances biodiversity and promotes well-being within the urban setting.
04
Sustainable materials include cross-laminated timber and charred wood for durability and eco-friendliness.
05
Strategic lighting design utilizes natural light to create an inspiring atmosphere throughout the facility.

# Bangkok Artist Retreat

## Overview
The Bangkok Artist Retreat is located in the vibrant urban center of Bangkok, Thailand, designed as a cultural hub for artistic expression and community engagement. The building aims to provide a functional space that facilitates interaction among artists and local communities, offering a setting for collaboration, exhibitions, and various artistic endeavors. The architectural concept is inspired by the characteristics of paper, reflecting qualities of lightness and fluidity that encourage creativity and dialogue.

## Spatial Strategy
The building is methodically organized into three primary zones, each serving distinct functions:

- **Public Areas**: Ground-level spaces include exhibition areas and a main reception, designed for accessibility to promote community interaction.
- **Artist Workspaces**: Both the second and third floors house collaborative areas tailored to artists' needs. These adaptable spaces allow for personal expression and support a variety of creative activities.
- **Private and Leisure Spaces**: The upper levels feature areas for rest and socialization, including a rooftop terrace designed for recreational use.

This strategic organization maximizes usability while fostering connections between artists and the community.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Material selections emphasize transparency and lightness, enhancing the sensory experience of the retreat:

- **Reinforced Concrete**: Provides structural integrity, enabling various aesthetic forms.
- **Glass Panels**: Facilitate natural light entry while providing insulation, effectively integrating interior and exterior environments.
- **Wood and Composite Materials**: Reflect the concept of the 'paper artwork' façade, creating a layered visual effect that echoes traditional artistic practices and emphasizes sustainable design.
- **Metal Framework**: Utilized in the structural system for longer spans and sculptural forms, it minimizes material usage while maximizing design potential.

The careful choice of materials underscores both the aesthetic objectives and the commitment to ecological sustainability, promoting a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

The building's design incorporates green terraces and open spaces that blend with the urban landscape, allowing it to function as a dynamic platform for community activities and artistic engagement.

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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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