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Natural Light and Personal Zones in Urban Community Spaces

Authors:
Farah Rehman, Amy He
Natural Light and Personal Zones in Urban Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Bringing together natural light and personal zones, the design creates intimate community spaces that enhance urban living by addressing individual needs within a bustling environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed openings in the bent A-frame structure.
02
Personal zones are seamlessly integrated with communal areas to enhance social interaction.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while maintaining an eco-friendly approach.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
05
The design prioritizes accessibility, ensuring all community members can engage with the space.

The design connects contemporary living with urban life, focusing on how people interact with their environment. Located in a busy city, the building aims to create spaces for both community engagement and personal privacy. The overall concept emphasizes the balance needed to meet individual needs while promoting a sense of belonging within the bustling urban landscape.

Urban Integration

Central to the design is the idea of "City," which captures the essence of urban living. The layout encourages the exploration of relationships between different spaces, addressing the need for both private areas and communal zones. This approach enhances the experience of city life, making it easier for residents to connect with their surroundings and each other in a meaningful way.

Personal and Communal Spaces

The focus on "Closet" highlights the importance of personal spaces within the larger context. It suggests the necessity for areas where individuals can find solace while still being part of the community. This balance between privacy and shared experiences is crucial in city living. The design considers these needs, creating comfortable environments that invite people to both relax and engage.

Functional Design Elements

The reference to "Instrument" points to the practical aspects of the spaces being created. The design does not only prioritize looks but also aims to support the everyday lives of its residents. Each area is crafted to fulfill specific functions, ensuring that the spaces work effectively for all who use them. The intention is to provide environments that are not only pleasant but also helpful and convenient.

Illuminating Experiences

The term "Candle" brings to mind warmth and light. This element emphasizes how important natural light is in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Thoughtful design decisions allow light to fill common areas, making them inviting for gatherings. By focusing on the sensory experience, the building encourages social interactions, fostering a sense of warmth and community among its inhabitants.

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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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