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Metamaterials and Transparency Define A Cultural Center with Engineered Hardwood and Urban Integration

Authors:
Anna Rita Emili, Luigi Terribile
Metamaterials and Transparency Define A Cultural Center with Engineered Hardwood and Urban Integration

Project in-detail

Utilizing metamaterials and extensive glass façades, the cultural center integrates engineered hardwood to create a versatile space that fosters community engagement and cultural exchange within an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes advanced metamaterials to enhance structural performance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features extensive glass façades that promote natural light and visual connectivity with the urban environment.
03
Incorporates cherry blossom trees in landscaping, emphasizing cultural heritage and seasonal beauty.
04
Designed with flexible spaces that adapt to various community functions and events.
05
Employs engineered hardwood for warmth, complementing the building’s sustainable focus.

### Overview
The cultural center is strategically located in an urban context, aiming to integrate contemporary architectural practices with traditional design elements that resonate with the area’s heritage. The intent is to create a building that serves as a bridge between the vibrancy of urban life and the tranquility of nature, encouraging community engagement and reinterpretation of public spaces.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The architectural design features a distinct geometrical arrangement that facilitates fluid movement and interaction among users. Modular forms constructed with innovative metamaterials enhance adaptability, reflecting contemporary trends in customizable architecture. Interior spaces are characterized by openness and flexibility, accommodating diverse functions such as exhibitions, lectures, and recreational activities. Significant use of glass walls fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting an immersive experience. Public areas are designed for social gatherings, enhancing opportunities for cultural exchange.

### Materiality and Light
Key materials in the construction include glass, engineered hardwood, and metamaterials. Glass is employed to maximize natural light and create visual transparency, while engineered hardwood adds warmth and a sense of organic integration. Metamaterials are utilized for their unique performance characteristics, contributing to both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Natural light plays a pivotal role in the project, with strategically placed skylights and glass facades creating dynamic lighting effects that shift throughout the day. Enhanced by thoughtfully designed artificial lighting, these elements collectively highlight important features and artworks, further enriching the user experience.

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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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