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Operable Glass Facades and Timeless Timber Elements in a Multipurpose Community Hub

Author:
John Tucker
Operable Glass Facades and Timeless Timber Elements in a Multipurpose Community Hub

Project in-detail

With operable glass facades that seamlessly connect interior and exterior spaces, this community hub employs warm timber elements to create an inviting environment, promoting social engagement through a multifunctional design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Operable glass facades enhance natural ventilation and light, connecting indoor and outdoor environments.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to the building's sustainability while offering structural strength.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic and protection against weathering.
04
A central spiral staircase serves as both a design focal point and a means of vertical circulation.
05
Community kitchen spaces encourage social interactions and shared culinary experiences among users.
The Urban Cathedral architectural project represents a thoughtful integration of community needs with contemporary design principles, positioned in the heart of Adelaide, Australia. This project emerges as a multifunctional social hub, aiming to foster interaction and engagement among diverse groups within the city. The design echoes the essence of traditional religious structures, with its emphasis on communal gathering spaces, while simultaneously embracing modern architectural techniques suited for urban environments.

The primary function of the Urban Cathedral is to serve as a community center, bringing together various activities that enhance social cohesion. It includes spaces for exhibitions, shared dining experiences, and public gardens, all crafted to facilitate a sense of belonging. This collective environment is underscored by the structure’s design, which prioritizes transparency, openness, and accessibility. Large glass facades allow for natural light to permeate the interior, creating warm, inviting spaces that resonate with the surrounding urban fabric.

Key architectural elements of the project include an innovative roof design characterized by dynamic angular shapes, which not only contribute to the visual interest of the structure but also optimize daylighting. The roof incorporates operable panels that provide flexibility in climate control, connecting occupants with the external environment. This integration of indoor and outdoor spaces promotes an immersive experience for users, inviting them to engage with both the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

The spatial arrangement within the Urban Cathedral is highly intentional. Circulation is designed to be intuitive, with wide pathways and ramps ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with mobility challenges. A central spiral staircase acts as a focal point, symbolizing engagement and community connection. Surrounding the main building are public gardens that not only enhance biodiversity but also act as urban green spaces for relaxation and leisure.

Materiality plays a significant role in the overall architectural narrative of this project. The careful selection of materials, including glass, wood, steel, concrete, and aluminum composite panels, reflects a commitment to sustainability while also crafting an aesthetic that balances modernity with warmth. The transparent glass facades allow for daylight access, fostering an atmosphere of openness, while the wooden elements provide texture and a sense of comfort.

The Urban Cathedral's design is unique in its thoughtful approach to community and environmental sustainability. The incorporation of smart technologies enhances the user experience, offering features such as automated lighting and climate controls that reduce energy consumption. The commitment to green practices is evident in the choice of materials and the integration of solar power systems, affirming a responsibility toward environmental stewardship.

Through these various design strategies, the Urban Cathedral serves as a model for future architectural projects aimed at enhancing urban life. It reflects a deep understanding of the relationship between space and community, encapsulating how thoughtful design can influence social dynamics in positive ways. For those intrigued by architectural plans, sections, and designs that explore the complexities of community-focused architecture, a closer examination of the Urban Cathedral project presentation will reveal the insights and details that underscore its significance in contemporary architectural discourse. Explore further to understand how this project embodies the principles of inclusive and sustainable urban design.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
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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