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Polycarbonate Facade Enhances Community Space With Modular Design

Authors:
Fernanda de abreu Moreira, Giovanna Cassavia, Felipe rodrigues Proença, Pedro barretto Veiga
Polycarbonate Facade Enhances Community Space With Modular Design

Project in-detail

A polycarbonate facade illuminates a modular café structure designed for flexible use, creating a vibrant community hub in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Polycarbonate facade serves as a double-skin system for enhanced visibility and light diffusion.
02
Modular design allows for flexible configurations to meet varying user needs.
03
Compact form facilitates easy transportation and installation in urban environments.
04
Interior layout promotes diverse social interactions and personal reflection.
05
Matryoshka Doll concept inspires the layered structure and user engagement.

The Urban Matryoshka project offers a café structure designed to fit into the lively rhythms of urban life. Situated in a bustling environment, the café serves as a gathering space for individuals looking to step away from their daily routines. The design draws its inspiration from Matryoshka Dolls, reflecting a modular concept that fosters flexibility and community interaction.

Conceptual Framework

The core idea revolves around modular architecture, where each component can be arranged in multiple ways. This adaptability allows the café to respond to various user needs, whether for social engagement or quiet time. The relationship between different elements creates an inviting environment, emphasizing how users interact with the space.

Facade System

The café features polycarbonate materials in its facade, providing a double-layered system that enhances appearance and function. When lit from within during the night, the polycarbonate skin emits a warm glow, making the café stand out in the urban landscape. This feature not only attracts attention but also supports the building's energy efficiency.

Interior Layout

Inside, the café prioritizes user experience by allowing for flexible furniture arrangements. Patrons can move elements around, enabling them to create the experience they desire. This multifaceted layout accommodates casual conversations and personal moments alike, making the café a versatile community spot.

Visual Identity

The compact shape of the café contains necessary functions while ensuring easy transport for urban settings. Modular design ensures every part serves a specific role, contributing to a unified identity. The project illustrates contemporary architectural practices that focus on creating spaces that promote community and connection. The thoughtful integration of form and function defines the café's design, offering a welcoming environment for all.

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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

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