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Natural Stone and Glass Facades Create Interactive Spaces in a Family-Centric Community Environment

Authors:
Richelle Sibolboro, Cole Barkman, Nevena Niagolova, Alex Wilton
Natural Stone and Glass Facades Create Interactive Spaces in a Family-Centric Community Environment

Project in-detail

Constructed with natural stone and large glass facades, this community-oriented space fosters interaction and exploration while prioritizing child-centric activities and environmental engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates large glass facades to maximize natural light and connection with the surrounding environment.
02
Features a community garden designed to enhance ecological education and awareness among visitors.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic that complements the landscape.
04
Incorporates interactive play structures made from eco-friendly materials to encourage child engagement and exploration.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to create open, flowing interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity.

### Concept Overview

"River Runs Through" is situated near the Mirroring River and is designed to create a meaningful connection between natural elements and community activities, especially focused on children and families. The intent is to cultivate an environment that promotes creativity and social interaction through designed spaces for exploratory play and communal engagement.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout features multiple distinct zones, each catering to specific activities and interactions. The design incorporates a flowing river that acts as both a physical and symbolic conduit, linking various areas dedicated to different themes:

1. **Play**: This zone encourages children's exploration and creativity, fostering instinctual engagement.

2. **Gather**: Designed as a communal hub, this area facilitates social interactions and relationships through diverse activities.

3. **Support**: This section focuses on skill development and mentorship opportunities, enriching the user experience.

4. **Explore**: Aimed at encouraging discovery and learning, this area enhances visitor experiences.

5. **Stilcope**: Serving as a meditative space, it offers opportunities for reflection and rejuvenation amidst nature.

6. **Exhale**: This area promotes relaxation, integrating natural features to evoke calmness.

7. **Garden**: Engaging visitors with local flora and fauna, this space raises environmental awareness.

### Materiality

The selection of materials emphasizes sustainability and their integration with the surrounding landscape.

- **Natural Stone**: Employed to reinforce organic forms and provide a sense of permanence, establishing a connection between the built environment and nature.

- **Wood**: Used for structural elements, adding warmth and a tactile quality that enhances visitor comfort.

- **Glass**: Its extensive use facilitates transparency, allowing for a harmonious blend between indoor and outdoor environments.

- **Colored Acrylics and Resins**: These materials feature in artistic installations that stimulate curiosity and creativity in younger visitors.

- **Eco-Friendly Plastics**: Specialized variations may be used for playful design elements, contributing to the interactive nature of the spaces.

The design of "River Runs Through" reflects a comprehensive understanding of its ecological context, ensuring that the structure integrates seamlessly with the landscape while promoting diverse interactions among users.

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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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