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Liminal Spaces Defined by Cantilevered Structures and Sustainable Natural Materials

Author:
Yuen Shing Chan
Liminal Spaces Defined by Cantilevered Structures and Sustainable Natural Materials

Project in-detail

Cantilevered structures crafted from sustainable natural materials create a seamless connection between interior and landscape, inviting community interaction in a multifunctional gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered sections create dynamic overhangs that enhance the visual connection with the landscape.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles provides both aesthetic texture and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels form the primary structural system, reducing carbon footprint.
04
A unique bent A-frame design allows for versatile interior configurations and spaces.
05
Acoustic panels integrated into the wall design improve sound quality within communal areas.

### Overview

Located near the United Nations Art Trail, the Monument of Liminality is designed to foster interaction with its natural surroundings, enhancing the visitor experience within a context of scenic beauty. The project focuses on the concept of liminality, exploring transitional spaces that bridge human experience and the landscape. Its intent is to create an environment where visitors can engage with their identities while reflecting on the interplay between built form and nature.

### Spatial Dynamics

Central to the design is a gallery-like hall that serves as an immersive space for reflection and community engagement. Constructed from natural materials, the hall features extensive glass panels that optimize natural lighting, enhancing the spatial experience throughout the day. A concrete bridge connects the hall to the landscape, allowing for fluid movement while providing structural stability. The design incorporates a Wall of Circles that manipulates sound and enriches the acoustic environment, symbolizing interconnectivity among visitors.

The Flowing Deck invites visitors to interact directly with the adjacent waterbody, serving as a communal space for gatherings and performances. This design encourages ownership and interaction, reinforcing the project's emphasis on community integration.

### Material Palette

Material choices underscore the monument's ecological sensitivity and aesthetic integrity. Reinforced concrete is used for the primary structural elements, ensuring durability, while large glass panels provide panoramic views and enhance the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. Wood features prominently in the Flowing Deck, contributing warmth and tactile quality, while natural stone is utilized in select finishes to draw an organic connection to the earth. Steel elements offer the necessary strength to support the overall structure while maintaining a refined appearance.

This thoughtful integration of materials enhances the visitor experience, creating spaces that resonate with natural surroundings while prioritizing ecological harmony.

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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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