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Plexiglass Walls and Steel Structure Create Inviting Reading Spaces

Authors:
Albert Manhertz, Lilla Bukovácz
Plexiglass Walls and Steel Structure Create Inviting Reading Spaces

Project in-detail

Transparent plexiglass walls and a robust steel frame create a portable library that enhances community engagement with literature in urban park settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Library Quarter includes weatherproof walls and doors for optimal protection and comfort.
02
Reading Quarters feature transparent plexiglass walls for natural light and environmental connection.
03
Bike Quarter integrates a structural steel strip that doubles as a bike rack to promote sustainable transport.
04
The design employs ground screws for a minimal site disturbance and easy setup.
05
Modular configuration allows for flexible use in various urban settings, enhancing community accessibility.

The Jurta Project is an architectural effort that reinterprets the traditional yurt to create portable reading rooms aimed at urban and recreational settings. Located in parks and public areas near larger cities, it focuses on enhancing community interaction with literature. The design emphasizes mobility and accessibility, inviting users to experience reading in a welcoming atmosphere.

Library Quarter

The Library Quarter acts as a dedicated module that shifts the conventional book exchange box into a library. It features walls and doors for protection against the elements, encouraging visitors to browse and select books at their leisure. This design enhances the user experience by providing a comfortable and sheltered environment that fosters a natural curiosity for reading.



Reading Quarters

The Reading Quarters consist of two distinct variations, each designed for different user experiences. Reading Quarter A includes transparent plexiglass walls that promote a serene environment while allowing plenty of natural light. This setup helps create a direct link between readers and their surroundings, enhancing the enjoyment of a book. On the other hand, Reading Quarter B offers an open design, encouraging a closer connection to the outdoor space. This allows readers to feel immersed in nature while they focus on their reading.



Bike Quarter

The Bike Quarter is a practical addition that combines functionality with visual appeal. A steel strip serves as structural support and doubles as a bike rack. This design choice accommodates visitors who arrive on bicycles, promoting sustainable travel options. By integrating these essential details, the Bike Quarter enhances usability and adds to the overall functionality of the reading rooms.



The Jurta Project incorporates several materials to support its design goals. The roof is constructed with a 3 mm powder-coated stainless steel sheet, ensuring durability. Transparent white plexiglass forms the walls of the Library Quarter and Reading Quarter A, aiding in sound reduction while maintaining visibility. The frame consists of a 40x60 mm powder-coated stainless steel square hollow section, which provides stability. Outdoor plywood is used for flooring, and ground screws serve as an efficient solution for creating a stable foundation without extensive site disruption.

Natural light fills the interior spaces, while the clear walls provide a calm setting for readers. The combination of transparency and rustic design encourages a reading experience that connects closely to the outdoors, making the environment both inviting and comfortable.

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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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