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Natural Light-Infused Spaces Featuring Palm Trees and Sustainable Timber Elements for Community Engagement

Authors:
Roxanne Makountz, Julien Chalancon
Natural Light-Infused Spaces Featuring Palm Trees and Sustainable Timber Elements for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

With abundant natural light and palm trees harmoniously integrated alongside charred wooden shingles and concrete, the design fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an inviting environment for community workshops and art exhibits.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a rustic aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to create open, flexible interior spaces while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Palm trees are integrated into the layout, promoting a unique connection between the architecture and nature.
04
Natural light is maximized through expansive glazing, fostering a welcoming atmosphere throughout the building.
05
A bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while providing distinct visual character to the community space.
The architectural project known as "Serendipity" embodies a thoughtful exploration of the interaction between built environments and their surrounding ecosystems. Positioned within a vibrant urban context, the design reflects contemporary sensibilities while emphasizing a deep connection to nature and community. The project serves not only as a physical structure but also as a platform for cultural exchange, collaboration, and personal reflection.

At its essence, "Serendipity" represents a harmonious convergence of architectural innovation and environmental consciousness. It seeks to promote a philosophy that encourages exploration and interaction among individuals, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and engagement. The overall layout is designed to facilitate a range of activities, making it a multifunctional space that can accommodate art exhibitions, workshops, public performances, and communal gatherings.

The architectural design features several key spaces that are purposefully integrated to enhance user experience. The reception area serves as a welcoming threshold, inviting visitors to experience what lies beyond. Adjacent to it, a gallery occupies around 50 square meters, tailored for artistic displays and community events. This space is characterized by an open layout, allowing for flexible arrangements and inviting the imagination of its users.

Working in tandem with the gallery is a designated workshop and café area, also around 50 square meters, that promotes social interaction and teamwork. This space encourages collaboration among users, enabling them to share ideas and practices. Nearby, the sandbox area extends to approximately 90 square meters, functioning as a dynamic hub for creativity and play, while the performance space, covering 100 square meters, serves as the heart of public events. This diversity in spatial arrangements ensures that the project can cater to a variety of cultural and social activities.

The project's design approach emphasizes a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces. Large expanses of glass are strategically positioned to create visual connections with the outdoors, fostering a sense of transparency and openness. This careful integration of natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes energy efficiency within the architectural structure. The layout encourages natural ventilation and allows users to experience the nuances of changing weather conditions, further blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments.

Materiality is a fundamental aspect of the "Serendipity" project, and its thoughtful selection enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Concrete is used extensively to provide structural integrity, while wood introduces warmth and texture, creating a more inviting atmosphere. Glass elements facilitate a sense of connection to nature, while subtle metal accents add a modern touch, ensuring that the overall design remains relevant in contemporary architectural discourse.

Unique design features further distinguish "Serendipity." The strategic use of greenery and water features adds to the project’s ecological sensitivity and serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability in architectural practices. Palm trees neatly line the periphery, contributing to the overall character of the project and reinforcing its relationship with the surrounding urban landscape. Such elements make the building a sanctuary where visitors can relax and reflect amidst their busy lives.

"Serendipity" exemplifies a modern architectural philosophy that prioritizes human experience and ecological awareness. This project aims to inspire interactions among community members while providing spaces that nurture creativity and growth. By embracing both the natural and built environments, it creates a holistic experience that reflects the evolving dynamics of urban living. Readers interested in further exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind "Serendipity" are encouraged to delve deeper into its presentation for a comprehensive understanding of this thoughtful project.
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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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