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Natural Stream Integrating Reinforced Concrete and Glass in a Community Aquatic Facility

Author:
Ayanda Isaac Ntsingana
Natural Stream Integrating Reinforced Concrete and Glass in a Community Aquatic Facility

Project in-detail

A natural stream seamlessly flows through a community facility designed with reinforced concrete and expansive glass elements, providing a multifaceted space for recreation and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A natural stream is integrated into the design, enhancing biodiversity around the facility.
02
Reinforced concrete and glass materials create a modern, transparent aesthetic for the community space.
03
The layout features multiple entry points to facilitate seamless circulation.
04
Outdoor meeting spaces are designed to promote social gatherings and community engagement.
05
The project prioritizes environmental sensitivity through the use of durable and weather-responsive materials.

## Project Overview

Located at the intersection of Varoekhoek Road and Swartburg Road in Laingsburg, South Africa, the public pool is designed as a multifunctional aquatic facility to meet the recreational and community needs of the area. The project aims to create a space that encourages community interaction while maintaining a focus on functionality and architectural identity. The design integrates various elements that support leisure activities and social engagement within the local context.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

The spatial arrangement of the facility facilitates clear delineation of functional areas, including a central swimming pool, changing rooms, and social gathering spots that encourage community use. The design incorporates outdoor meeting areas to extend social engagement into the surrounding landscape, providing natural shade to enhance user comfort. Attention to circulation paths ensures intuitive movements between areas, with multiple entrances and exits to aid in managing visitor flow.

## Materiality and Environmental Context

The selection of materials is driven by the need for durability and functionality in Laingsburg’s climatic conditions. Reinforced concrete provides structural strength, while glass elements enhance transparency and natural lighting. Timber features contribute warmth and tactile qualities, while steel is utilized in support structures for a sleek aesthetic. Textural contrasts, such as smooth pool tiles against rough concrete pathways, create an inviting atmosphere. Special attention has been given to sustainability, selecting materials and methods that minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term resilience against local weather patterns.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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