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Natural Stone And Concrete Structures Enhanced By Transparent Facades For Community Engagement

Authors:
Hexuan Yu, Yuwei Cong, Riko Sobukawa, Yen Kang Yeh
Natural Stone And Concrete Structures Enhanced By Transparent Facades For Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A blend of natural stone and expansive glass facades creates a transparent dialogue with the surrounding landscape, serving as a multifunctional space for community engagement and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone and concrete are combined in an innovative structural approach that enhances durability and aesthetics.
02
The project utilizes expansive glass facades to create seamless connections between interior spaces and the surrounding environment.
03
Flexible spaces are designed to adapt for various community events and activities, promoting engagement and interaction.
04
A dedicated “Statue of Absence” serves as a thoughtful memorial element integrated into the public plaza.
05
Sustainable practices are emphasized through features like green roofs and natural ventilation strategies.

### Overview

The project titled "Blank" is situated in a central urban area reflective of historical narratives and sociopolitical dynamics, likely influenced by Soviet-era planning, in a European context similar to that of Kyiv, Ukraine. This design initiative aims to celebrate public space while acknowledging the site's complex history and the need for societal rebuilding. The concept emphasizes transformation, merging the historical context with contemporary public life to create a space that fosters new interactions and dialogues within the community.

### Historical Context and Public Engagement

The design framework is deeply rooted in the awareness of historical oppression, yet it symbolizes resilience and renewal. By prioritizing accessible public spaces, the project promotes community interaction and encourages discourse regarding the past and future of the urban environment. The integration of diverse architectural features allows for an exploration of memory, identity, and collective action, facilitating shared experiences among users.

### Materiality and Environmental Responsiveness

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in conveying the project's intent. Concrete provides structural integrity, while glass enhances transparency and connection with the surrounding environment. Steel elements add a modern aesthetic without overshadowing the historical context. Natural stone links the new design to the site’s past, embodying permanence and memory.

Key design outcomes include a central plaza that accommodates various events and landscaped areas that add comfort and greenery. The vertical arrangement of functions promotes efficient circulation, with spaces like the atrium serving as communal hubs. Unique features, such as the "Statue of Absence," invite contemplation on memory, while elements like light cones and roof gardens are designed for sustainability, ensuring optimal natural lighting and ventilation. These flexible spaces adapt to community needs, promoting an inclusive philosophy that encourages public ownership and active engagement with the urban landscape.

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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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