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Live-Edge Slats Forming Community Spaces in a Sustainable Food Court

Authors:
Ye Feng, Annie locke Scherer, Ron Aasholm, Merve Ünlü
Live-Edge Slats Forming Community Spaces in a Sustainable Food Court

Project in-detail

Vertical live-edge slats define the communal spaces of a food court that prioritizes sustainability and efficient circulation, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a radial structure to enhance visitor circulation.
02
Utilizes plain sawn lumber to minimize waste in construction.
03
Vertical live-edge slats blend the structure with its forested surroundings.
04
Features multifunctional seating integrated into the food court layout.
05
Emphasizes community collaboration with a shared internal space for caterers.

THE GROVE is a proposal for a food court at the Sansusi festival, designed to emphasize sustainability and community interaction. Set within a natural landscape, the design aims to create a space that is both functional and welcoming. A radially symmetrical layout supports easy movement and connection among visitors, enhancing their overall experience while honoring the surroundings.

Design Concept

The layout incorporates a radially symmetrical form that facilitates 360° circulation. This arrangement allows people to move freely and encourages casual interactions. With a shared internal structure for three caterers, the design enables collaboration and efficient service, making it easier for festival-goers to enjoy their meals together.

Materials

Plain sawn lumber serves as the main material, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices. By using entire trees, the design minimizes waste and maximizes the use of resources. Structural framing consists of standard dimensions such as 2x4s and 4x4s, which provide solid support and ensure stability for the overall structure of the food court.

Architectural Aesthetics

The exterior of THE GROVE features vertical, live-edge slats that connect the building with the forest environment. These design elements create an attractive facade while maintaining a natural look. This connection with the landscape helps blend the building into its surroundings and makes the experience more enjoyable for visitors.

Functional Layout

In the food court area, vertical slats are used both as boundaries and seating. This practical design choice not only saves space but also encourages people to gather and socialize. By shaping the surrounding dining area with these elements, the design fosters a sense of community and enhances the overall atmosphere for attendees.

The thoughtful combination of spaces and materials results in a structure that respects its environment while meeting the needs of its users. The design creates an inviting area that promotes social interaction and a strong community presence.

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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

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