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Photovoltaic Glass Facades In A Wood-Clad Multi-Functional Urban Workspace

Authors:
Elena Ferrara, Antonio Ceglie
Photovoltaic Glass Facades In A Wood-Clad Multi-Functional Urban Workspace

Project in-detail

Incorporating photovoltaic glass facades and a cohesive wood-clad aesthetic, the design creates an adaptive urban workspace that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates photovoltaic glass panels for energy generation and daylighting.
02
Features a unique bent A-frame design that enhances spatial dynamics.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
04
Includes charred wooden shingles that contribute to fire resistance and visual texture.
05
Strategically positioned open atria facilitate natural ventilation and social interaction.

## Project Overview
Located in a dynamic urban environment, the design serves as a multipurpose structure that integrates workspaces with communal areas while prioritizing environmental sustainability. The architecture promotes social interaction and strengthens the connection between the built environment and the natural landscape. Through a thoughtful arrangement of spaces and materials, the project aims to meet diverse user needs while fostering an engaging atmosphere.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout consists of 11 floors, with a clear functional distribution tailored to various activities. Lower levels accommodate high-traffic areas, including offices and public spaces, while the upper levels provide quieter zones for concentrated work. Each standard floor spans approximately 1,200 square meters, culminating in a total area of 17,700 square meters. Open atria on every level enhance connectivity among occupants, encouraging collaboration and interaction within the workspace.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection is integral to the project’s aesthetic and performance. The structural framework employs steel for durability, while extensive glass facades facilitate natural light and provide unobstructed views of the surroundings. Photovoltaic glass panels are integrated to support sustainable energy objectives. Additionally, wood cladding adds warmth, creating a tactile connection to nature. The design includes landscaping features such as meandering pathways and vegetation to reduce urban heat and promote biodiversity, further enhancing the overall user experience.

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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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