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Perforated Corten Steel Facade Enhancing Community Engagement In A Flexible Artistic Retreat

Authors:
Malina Palasthira, John Erskine, Titinart Thumchuchaorat, Nattanai Janjarassri
Perforated Corten Steel Facade Enhancing Community Engagement In A Flexible Artistic Retreat

Project in-detail

The integration of a perforated corten steel facade with adaptable studio spaces creates an environment that fosters collaboration and artistic expression within a community-focused retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated corten steel facade enhances passive ventilation and natural lighting throughout the building.
02
Flexible studio configurations support multiple artistic disciplines and collaborative projects.
03
Community areas are integrated to encourage public engagement with the artistic process.
04
Sustainable materials are prioritized, featuring concrete, metal, wood, and glass in the design.
05
The layout promotes visibility into artistic activities, fostering a connection between artists and visitors.

### Project Overview

The Nightingale Artists Retreat is situated in the Wang Burapha district of Bangkok, an area known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage dating back to the mid-20th century. The facility is conceived as a collaborative hub for artists, designed to facilitate interaction among practitioners of various art forms and the local community. The retreat's architectural design focuses on creating a vibrant environment that fosters both artistic expression and social engagement.

### Interactivity and Spatial Organization

The layout emphasizes interactivity, featuring communal spaces that encourage collaboration among artists as well as between artists and the public. Large windows and open areas enhance visibility into the creative processes, promoting a culture of transparency. The architectural design incorporates a modular approach, allowing for flexible studio spaces that can adapt to individual or collaborative needs, while also providing optimal lighting and views for each artist.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials integrates aesthetic and functional considerations, employing concrete for its durability and thermal mass and corten steel for its weathered appearance that contrasts with the softer elements of the neighborhood. Interior spaces utilize wood to create a warm atmosphere, while extensive use of glass fosters visual connections with the surrounding environment. Additionally, the design incorporates sustainable practices, including passive strategies to minimize energy consumption and enhance environmental performance.

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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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