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Porous Façade and Natural Light Enhance Community Engagement in A Cross-Shaped Information Center

Authors:
Frederic Champagne, Bao tram Quach
Porous Façade and Natural Light Enhance Community Engagement in A Cross-Shaped Information Center

Project in-detail

A porous façade crafted from local materials invites wildlife while maximizing natural light in a cross-shaped facility designed to engage and educate visitors about the surrounding wetland ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
The porous façade allows for nesting opportunities for local wildlife.
02
Large glass panels create seamless connections between interior spaces and the surrounding wetland.
03
Local flora is incorporated into interior gardens, enhancing biodiversity within the building.
04
The cross-shaped layout optimizes natural light and user circulation while maintaining visual access to the landscape.
05
Construction utilizes light-colored concrete, reflecting the natural hues of the wetland environment.
The architectural project known as "Slightly Off" is designed to serve as an information center and display area situated within a wetland reserve. This project aims to facilitate visitor engagement with the unique ecosystem while serving functional needs such as information dissemination and community interaction. The design employs a cross-shaped layout, creating multiple zones for activity and maximizing visual connectivity to the surrounding environment. Its form subtly interacts with the topography, merging the built structure with the natural landscape.

Spatial Flow and Functionality

The internal organization of "Slightly Off" emphasizes functional clarity and user flow. The building’s cross-shaped plan allows for distinct areas dedicated to various functions, such as offices, educational displays, and relaxation spaces, all linked through a central circulation core. This core is designed to create a spatial experience that encourages movement through the building while providing natural light and ventilation. Large glass panels feature prominently in the façade, reducing the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces and inviting users to engage with the verdant surroundings.

Attention to materiality is evident throughout the project. A light-colored concrete forms the primary structural element, with large glass windows providing transparency and connection to the wetland. The use of local flora within interior garden spaces serves to enhance biodiversity and create a sensory experience for visitors. The project further incorporates a porous façade that accommodates nesting for local bird species, integrating environmental considerations into the architectural design.

Ecological Integration and Sustainable Design

A unique aspect of "Slightly Off" is its commitment to sustainability and ecological harmony. The project is not only a facility for visitors but also a habitat for local wildlife, exemplifying a design approach that respects and enhances its natural context. The strategic placement of the building, alongside its features encouraging wildlife, demonstrates an understanding of the interdependence between architecture and ecology.

The architectural plans reflect a deep consideration for the local environment. By utilizing materials sourced from the region and designing spaces that adapt to the natural topography, the project reduces its ecological footprint. The extensive use of natural light and ventilation corresponds with the project’s sustainability goals, ensuring that energy consumption is minimized.

For those interested in understanding the finer aspects of this architectural design, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements will provide deeper insights into the innovative approaches taken in this project. The careful integration of contemporary architectural ideas with ecological awareness marks "Slightly Off" as a relevant study within the field of sustainable architecture. Explore the project presentation to discover more about the unique characteristics and design methodologies employed in this engaging architectural endeavor.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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