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Meshed Roofing and Permeable Concrete Columns Foster Natural Light and Community Interaction

Authors:
Henry Zeng, Kathy Yuan, Aimee Lin, Jenny Wang
Meshed Roofing and Permeable Concrete Columns Foster Natural Light and Community Interaction

Project in-detail

Utilizing permeable concrete columns and a meshed roofing system, the design enhances natural light and ventilation while creating inviting community spaces for engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Permeable concrete columns facilitate natural airflow throughout the building.
02
Meshed roofing allows for passive ventilation while maximizing natural light.
03
The bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity and visual interest.
04
Innovative use of steel mesh creates lightweight yet durable column structures.
05
Landscaped spaces promote community interaction and ecological sustainability.

## Overview

Situated within a vibrant urban environment, the design engages with existing circulation patterns while offering innovative structural solutions. It reinterprets classical columnar forms, transforming traditional support elements into multi-dimensional constructs that enhance light diffusion, ventilation, and spatial experiences. The objective is to foster a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces, firmly integrating the architecture with its surrounding context.

### Spatial Strategy and Circulation

The layout optimizes pedestrian movement by thoughtfully arranging architectural elements to facilitate seamless transitions between various areas. An underground level serves not only functional purposes but also enhances natural airflow. The innovative column design acts as conduits for ventilation, seamlessly integrating with the building's overall circulation strategy and creating an inviting atmosphere.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The architectural composition includes concrete, steel mesh, and glass, primarily used in the construction of the columns, which vary in height to promote visibility and interaction across levels. The roofing system employs an intricate mesh, allowing for natural ventilation while inviting sunlight into the interior. This design minimizes reliance on mechanical systems, promoting sustainability through geothermal circulation and passive solar solutions. The juxtaposition of solid and translucent materials creates a layered transparency, ensuring both natural light infiltration and user comfort.

Community engagement is further enhanced by integrating an outdoor pond and landscaped areas, promoting ecological values while providing spaces for social interaction. This thoughtful material selection and design approach capture the essence of local heritage, offering a contemporary interpretation that resonates with the surrounding community.

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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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