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Perforated Brickwork and Vertical Courtyards in a Community Library Design

Authors:
rachel hurst, katarina jovanovic
Perforated Brickwork and Vertical Courtyards in a Community Library Design

Project in-detail

Distinctive perforated brickwork and elevated courtyards create a thoughtful memorial space within a community library dedicated to resilience and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinctive perforated brick façade that facilitates natural light while providing ventilation.
02
Elevated vertical courtyards promote interaction and offer green spaces for reflection.
03
Dedicated subterranean memorial areas designed to honor victims and foster contemplation.
04
Use of sacked bricks to reflect local building traditions and enhance thermal performance.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate diverse community activities and events.

## Overview
The Casablanca Bombing Rooms Memorial Library is strategically located on the site of the 2003 bomb attacks in Casablanca, Morocco. This facility serves as a place of remembrance and learning, combining elements of community engagement, education, and reflection on historical events. The design aims to create a harmonious environment that fosters dialogue between the past and present while respectfully honoring the victims.

## Architectural Configuration
### Exterior Design
The library showcases a distinctive façade characterized by perforated brickwork, designed to facilitate diffused light and passive cooling, aligning with the local climate. The use of sacked bricks coupled with geometric motifs reflects traditional Moroccan aesthetics, creating a sense of both enclosure and connection to the surrounding context.

### Internal Layout
The internal organization prioritizes user experience through open spaces and varied ceiling heights that enhance interaction among visitors. The layout is methodically designed with clearly defined areas, including reading rooms, study spaces, and exhibition areas. Key design elements such as open vertical courtyards promote natural light and ventilation, while subterranean memorial spaces invite introspection and deepen the historical narrative.

## Material Palette
The selection of materials for the library is both functional and culturally resonant. Concrete serves as the foundation and structural framework, while sacked bricks add textural interest to the façade. Transparent glass elements in interior spaces facilitate an open environment, and timber is used in furniture and fixtures to create warmth. The incorporation of ceramic tiles offers decorative touches that celebrate local craftsmanship, reflecting sustainable building practices and architectural heritage.

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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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