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Mobile Solar Panels and Elevated Concrete Spaces Foster Community Interaction in Sustainable Hub

Authors:
Valentina Traversa, Alba lucía García
Mobile Solar Panels and Elevated Concrete Spaces Foster Community Interaction in Sustainable Hub

Project in-detail

Mobile solar panels adjust to harness energy while elevated concrete spaces seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor areas, creating a dynamic hub for community engagement and activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile solar panels adjust angles for optimal energy capture throughout the day.
02
The elevated design enhances natural ventilation and sightlines across the landscape.
03
A central patio acts as a multifunctional gathering space promoting community interaction.
04
Transparent glass elements increase daylight penetration while minimizing energy use.
05
Flexible interior layouts accommodate various community activities and events.
The project "HUB: A Shelter for Wisdom" showcases a refined approach to architectural design, combining functionality with community-centric principles. This architectural endeavor serves as a multipurpose facility meant for communal interaction, educational activities, and recreational use. The design effectively promotes a sense of community while integrating harmoniously with its natural surroundings.

The HUB is organized into several distinct areas, each serving specific functions. The primary volumes are interconnected, allowing for fluid movement between spaces while maintaining clear design delineations. A raised ground floor elevates the interior spaces and provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The central patio serves as a focal point for the design, facilitating social interaction among users and acting as a transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the project, characterized by innovative features such as mobile solar panels. These panels adjust based on environmental conditions, enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. The incorporation of rainwater capture systems further emphasizes the commitment to sustainable architecture. The interplay of durable materials, notably concrete and glass, establishes a physical connection that allows natural light to permeate the interior, enhancing the user experience.

Unique Design Features

A notable feature of the HUB is the intentional layout that fosters accessibility and engagement. The design emphasizes an open ground floor, which is intentionally aligned to promote movement and social gatherings. This approach contrasts with traditional designs that often separate public and private functions, allowing for a more integrated community experience. The placement of communal spaces—such as the library, chapel, and recreation areas—demonstrates a strategic consideration for user behavior and interaction.

The building's façade combines concrete’s structural integrity with expansive glass elements. This combination not only provides transparency but also strengthens visual connections to the natural environment. The rhythmic placement of windows contributes to a cohesive aesthetic, guiding visitors through the space while offering varying perspectives of the surroundings.

Architectural Details and Functionality

The organization of the project is clearly delineated across multiple levels. The ground floor includes open-plan spaces that accommodate dining, reception areas, and community activities, all centered around the central patio. The upper levels contain dedicated areas for more focused activities, such as administrative offices and private meeting rooms.

The structural design utilizes steel reinforcements anchored within the concrete framework, ensuring stability throughout the building. This combination of materials not only supports dynamic structural integrity but also allows for flexible spatial arrangements, adapting to user needs over time. The careful selection and application of materials reflect a commitment to durable, sustainable design.

For more insights into the architectural plans and sections of the HUB, readers are encouraged to explore further details of the design and its execution. Investigating specific architectural ideas and designs will provide a comprehensive understanding of the project's impact and relevance in contemporary architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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