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Marble and Glass Facade Integrating Historic Preservation with Flexible Collaborative Workspace

Author:
Brent Haynes
Marble and Glass Facade Integrating Historic Preservation with Flexible Collaborative Workspace

Project in-detail

Integrating a contemporary marble and glass facade with the preserved elements of a historic Art Deco building, the design creates a versatile coworking space that fosters collaboration and productivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a historic Art Deco structure with modern coworking elements.
02
Maximizes natural light through extensive glass facade and atrium design.
03
Incorporates flexible workspace solutions tailored for Activity Based Working.
04
Utilizes durable materials such as marble for longevity and aesthetic appeal.
05
Promotes community engagement with informal social zones throughout the layout.

## Overview

Located at 92 Royal Avenue in Belfast, the POMO DECO ABWO project presents a contemporary coworking space designed to address the evolving needs of a diverse workforce. Utilizing Activity Based Working (ABW) principles, the design focuses on enhancing user wellbeing and productivity by offering a range of adaptable work environments within the context of an existing Art Deco structure.

## Architectural Inspiration

### Historical and Modern Synthesis
The design draws from the geometric forms and vibrant details typical of Art Deco architecture, ensuring that historical elements are honored while still catering to modern functional requirements. The project harmonizes these influences by employing spatial strategies that facilitate various work styles, thereby creating a workspace that reflects both its heritage and contemporary demands.

## Materiality

### Strategic Material Selection
A careful selection of materials underpins the design, featuring durable marble that adds sophistication, extensive glass to maximize natural light, and stainless steel for structural elements. These choices not only contribute to a pleasing aesthetic but also enhance the overall functionality of the workspace, supporting an efficient layout that resonates with the Art Deco theme.

## Interior Layout

### Versatile Work Environments
The interior layout comprises approximately 40 coworking spaces, each tailored to accommodate different working styles. Key features include:

- **Open Workstations**: Designed for collaboration and idea exchange.
- **Focus Rooms**: Providing quiet areas for concentrated tasks.
- **Meeting Rooms**: Varied in size, facilitating team discussions.
- **Informal Areas**: Lobbies and cafés promote social interactions, contributing to a balanced work-life dynamic.

### Vertical Integration
The design employs a multi-level configuration, sharing amenities across floors to foster interaction and a sense of community among users. A prominent atrium at the project's center serves to visually merge historical and modern architectural elements while enhancing user experience.

## Design Outcomes

### Enhancing Wellbeing and Productivity
Natural light is maximized through the extensive use of glass, supporting mental wellbeing and contributing to a positive work atmosphere. The flexible layout allows users to select work environments that best suit their needs, accommodating both collaborative and focused activities.

### Heritage Preservation and Urban Renewal
The project also addresses the challenge of preserving cultural heritage while accommodating contemporary needs. By reinvigorating the architectural narrative of Belfast, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue between historical preservation and urban development.

## Unique Aspects

1. **Cultural Integration**: The melding of historical Art Deco with contemporary design showcases the building's evolution, reflecting its past while addressing future needs.
2. **Responsive Environments**: The design includes a variety of interactive spaces, offering tailored settings for a range of user preferences and requirements.
3. **Sustainable Practices**: Emphasizing the re-utilization of existing structures, the project highlights a commitment to sustainability in architecture, influencing broader urban development strategies.

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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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