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Perforated Metal Screens and Reclaimed Barnwood Enrich Community Facility in South Dakota

Author:
Zeb Lund
Perforated Metal Screens and Reclaimed Barnwood Enrich Community Facility in South Dakota

Project in-detail

Combining perforated metal screens with reclaimed barnwood siding, this community facility in South Dakota serves essential public amenities while harmonizing with its rural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated metal screens enhance natural light while providing safety and ventilation.
02
Reclaimed barnwood siding connects the facility to local agricultural traditions.
03
Three distinct towers are designed to facilitate easy flow between public amenities.
04
The structure is elevated to minimize site disruption and accommodate natural terrain.
05
A planned mural integrates local artistry, reinforcing community identity and involvement.

### Overview
Located in De Smet, South Dakota, the Tower De Smet serves as both a functional structure and a visual landmark along Highway 14. The design integrates contemporary architectural language with the expansive landscape, presenting a minimal yet striking rectilinear form that complements and contrasts its surroundings.

### Material Selection
A carefully selected material palette enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the tower. Perforated metal panel screens provide structural support while allowing for transparency and lightness. The main structure is comprised of insulated precast concrete panels, offering energy efficiency and durability against local climatic conditions. Reclaimed barnwood siding on insulated stick-framed walls connects the building to its agricultural roots, reinforcing sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials.

### Spatial Organization
The tower is comprised of three distinct sections, each serving different functions, including accessible restrooms and common areas on the ground level. The internal layout is designed to facilitate user experience with multiple entry points and clearly defined pathways that enhance navigation throughout the facility. The building’s form follows the natural contours of the site, integrating existing tree lines to ensure minimal disruption to the landscape while providing natural shade and aesthetic continuity.

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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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