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Natural Brick Facade with Fluid Arches Supporting Multi-Functional Community Spaces

Authors:
Jiahua Xu, Yang Zhao
Natural Brick Facade with Fluid Arches Supporting Multi-Functional Community Spaces

Project in-detail

A fluidly designed structure with light-colored brick arches and flexible spaces creates an inclusive community hub that caters to a diverse range of local needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fluid arches create visual continuity and enhance accessibility throughout the structure.
02
Flexible interior spaces support a range of community activities and events.
03
Light-colored brick enhances thermal performance and reduces energy costs.
04
Large glazed openings establish seamless connections between indoor and outdoor environments.
05
Integrated sustainable systems, including solar panels, promote environmental efficiency.

### Project Overview

Lilong Arcade, also referred to as Huayang People's Place, is located in an urban area and is designed as a multifunctional community space that prioritizes social interaction and accessibility. The intent is to create a setting that meets diverse community needs while fostering inclusivity and engagement among users. The design is informed by an in-depth analysis of local cultural dynamics and demographic factors, allowing it to serve multiple community groups, including the elderly, local service providers, and general visitors.

### Spatial Strategy

The internal organization of Lilong Arcade is thoughtfully arranged to accommodate various user groups effectively. The ground floor features flexible spaces that can be adapted for different community activities such as markets, exhibitions, and social events. Additionally, strategically placed government service areas ensure easy access and promote user-friendliness. The provision of services specifically for the elderly throughout the building integrates this demographic into the community, facilitating social interaction and engagement. Exploded axonometric drawings elucidate the spatial relationships and flow within the building, reflecting an intuitive design that encourages exploration.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The building employs a diverse palette of materials with specific functional and aesthetic attributes. Brick provides durability and thermal efficiency, while a light-colored finish complements the overall modern aesthetic. Large glass openings enhance natural light penetration, supporting visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments. Structural steel allows for expansive open spaces suitable for gathering, and reinforced concrete provides robustness and design flexibility.

In terms of sustainability, the design incorporates solar panels and natural ventilation strategies to minimize reliance on mechanical systems, resulting in reduced operational costs and environmental impact. Accessibility features, such as ramps and wide corridors, are also included, ensuring the space accommodates all users, regardless of ability. These design elements collectively support the building's purpose as a lively, inclusive community hub that adapts to its users' evolving needs.

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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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