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Pentagon-Shaped Structure Featuring Natural Stone and Wood Louvers for Enhanced Community Living

Authors:
Radwa El maghraby, Mohamed El-kady, Remonda Amir, Ruba Al-Haddad
Pentagon-Shaped Structure Featuring Natural Stone and Wood Louvers for Enhanced Community Living

Project in-detail

A pentagon-shaped structure integrates natural stone and wooden louvers to create a sensory-rich environment that enhances community living through thoughtful design and sustainable materials.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pentagon shape optimizes space and encourages social interaction.
02
Natural stone cladding enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Wooden louvers provide shading while allowing natural light penetration.
04
Shared community gardens promote biodiversity and resident engagement.
05
Flexible layout accommodates varying household sizes and needs.
The Sensory Co-living Community is an architectural project designed to foster a vibrant communal environment while integrating sensory experiences into everyday living. Located in an urban setting, this project responds to contemporary needs for quality housing that balances personal privacy with social interaction. It consists of multifamily units, shared communal spaces, and landscaped areas, all thoughtfully arranged to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The project introduces a new model for co-living arrangements by prioritizing social cohesion alongside individual needs. It accommodates diverse family structures and lifestyles while creating an atmosphere conducive to interaction and engagement. The design emphasizes the importance of sensory connections—considering sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—as central to enhancing residents' experiences in both private and communal spaces.

Unique Design Approaches
The architectural design utilizes geometric forms to create a dynamic building silhouette, deviating from typical rectangular plans commonly seen in urban developments. The irregular pentagon shape of the building not only provides a visually interesting façade but also optimizes internal circulation and creates distinct zones.

Sustainable material choice is another hallmark of the design. The use of reinforced concrete for structural integrity, alongside glass for maximizing natural light, promotes energy efficiency. Wooden louvers offer shading and reassurance of privacy, while natural stone surfaces in common areas enhance tactile experiences. This approach underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and the integration of natural materials.

Furthermore, the design prioritizes outdoor connectivity. Landscaped areas integrated with water features provide sensory enhancement through sound and sight, while native plant selections contribute to ecological sustainability. Shared amenities such as communal gardens and gathering areas facilitate interactions, reinforcing the community ethos of the project.

Interior Design and Functionality
The layout of the Sensory Co-living Community focuses on facilitating social interactions through strategic spatial organization. Public spaces—such as cafes, recreational rooms, and workshop areas—are accessible and designed to encourage congregation. In contrast, private living units are organized to provide individual retreat, defined by varying floor plans that accommodate different household sizes and configurations.

Natural light is maximized through the use of large windows and skylights, ensuring spaces are bright and welcoming. A neutral color palette and natural finishes create a calming atmosphere that aligns with the sensory experience theme. The selection of furnishings focuses on functionality and comfort, enhancing the usability of shared areas.

The Sensory Co-living Community represents an innovative approach in architectural design, prioritizing ecological sustainability, social interaction, and sensory experiences. For detailed architectural plans, sections, and design elements, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which offers deeper insights into this thoughtfully designed community space.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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