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Layered Volumes of Locally Sourced Wood with Integrated Book Storage

Authors:
Hieu Huynh, Sugra Panvelwala, Gabriel Bardales
Layered Volumes of Locally Sourced Wood with Integrated Book Storage

Project in-detail

Locally sourced wood layers create flexible volumes that blend seating, book storage, and bike parking, fostering community interaction in a dedicated reading space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Locally sourced wood sheets form the project's modular components.
02
Three equal volumes are created through a process of strategic subtraction.
03
Flexible configurations accommodate diverse community activities.
04
Integrated bike parking enhances accessibility and promotes sustainability.
05
The design encourages user interaction and fosters a sense of community.

The Bookery exemplifies a thoughtful approach to enhancing the experience of reading and sharing ideas. It serves as a structured space for both the appreciation of books and communal interaction. Located in a welcoming environment, it functions as a hub that meets various social and individual needs.

Design Concept

The concept begins with a plane divided into three equal parts. When extruded, these parts form three equal volumes. This design makes effective use of available space, creating functional modules specifically designed for certain activities: seating for relaxation, storage for books, and parking space for bicycles. The design employs subtraction, allowing the integration of these elements in a cohesive manner.

Materiality

The construction of The Bookery relies on locally sourced wood sheets. These materials are prefabricated, which simplifies fabrication and makes assembly more efficient. The use of these sheets supports a layered structure that consists of connected volumes. These volumes are designed to rotate within a predefined range, making it possible to configure the space in various ways. The modular design accommodates different user needs and adapts to specific site conditions.

Spatial Arrangement

The flexible modular design encourages different ways for users to interact with the space. It allows for various activities, enhancing both individual and communal experiences. Each configuration promotes a balance between solitude and socialization, enriching visitors’ connections to books and to one another.

Functional Integration

The Bookery connects functional design with practical usability. It creates an atmosphere that invites both contemplation and collaboration. The modular components adapt in response to the activities taking place, highlighting the role of architecture in fostering community interactions. Each detail contributes to an environment where literature and social engagement thrive, creating a space that is both functional and welcoming.

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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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