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Multipurpose Community Hub Featuring Fluid Concrete Forms and Natural Light Integration

Authors:
Bastiaan Muilwijk, Alexander Lagaaij

Project in-detail

This multipurpose community hub features innovative fluid concrete forms, integrates natural light throughout its expansive spaces, and emphasizes environmental harmony, making it a distinct addition to the local landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The project employs a biomimetic design inspired by marine life, creating a radial symmetry that enhances spatial organization.
02
Extensive use of concrete allows for innovative fluid forms, providing both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
03
The central hub serves as a multifunctional gathering area, designed to accommodate diverse community events and activities.
04
Natural light optimization is integrated into the design, facilitating energy efficiency and enhancing the user experience throughout the building.
05
Thoughtful landscaping complements the architecture, blurring the boundaries between built and natural environments while promoting sustainability.
The project under analysis is an architectural endeavor referred to as "Starfish," characterized by its unique form that draws inspiration from the marine organism. Located in proximity to tourist attractions, this design represents a thoughtful integration of nature, utility, and community engagement. The architectural design centers around a central hub from which multiple wings extend, a layout that not only facilitates functionality but also promotes a seamless flow of movement within the space.

This project serves as a multipurpose structure, designed to house a variety of functions, including exhibition halls, offices, cafés, and information centers. The central hub acts as the focal point of the building, providing a communal area where visitors can gather and access various facilities. This design approach ensures that each functional space is interconnected yet distinct, allowing for a diverse range of activities while maintaining a cohesive architectural narrative.

One of the noteworthy aspects of the "Starfish" design is its emphasis on biomimicry. The inspiration derived from the starfish not only influences the building's aesthetic but also its spatial organization, creating an architectural language that resonates with the environment. The layout’s radial symmetry mimics the natural arrangement found in marine life, while the extending wings create dynamic spaces that can accommodate different uses over time, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability—key characteristics for contemporary architecture.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the execution of this design. The use of concrete as the primary building material offers strength and stability, enabling the construction of fluid forms that align with the organic concept of the project. Additionally, while specific details regarding the use of glass are not explicitly mentioned, it is reasonable to infer that glazing elements are incorporated for natural light enhancement and transparency. Landscaping materials work in tandem with the architectural elements, further grounding the building in its natural surroundings and enhancing its visual connections to the environment.

Key details of this design include the careful consideration of accessibility, ensuring that pathways and entrances accommodate all visitors. This thoughtful approach reflects a commitment to inclusivity, reinforcing the notion that architecture should serve the diverse needs of its users. The design incorporates internal walkways that navigate through the central hub to the various wings, facilitating the ease of movement and interaction between different areas.

The "Starfish" project stands out due to its innovative design approaches. By prioritizing user experience and community engagement, it transcends traditional forms of architecture that often separate functional spaces. The integration of a central communal area fosters interaction, while the angled wings allow for specific uses that can adapt over time, making the building relevant and responsive to the needs of its users.

For those interested in exploring the "Starfish" project more thoroughly, it is highly recommended to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas presented in the detailed project documentation. Each of these elements offers deeper insights into the design's functionality, material choices, and spatial relationships, providing a comprehensive understanding of this significant architectural contribution.
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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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