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Raw Concrete Meets Sculptural Form in a Community Hub Celebrating Tattoo Culture

Author:
Paris Triantis
Raw Concrete Meets Sculptural Form in a Community Hub Celebrating Tattoo Culture

Project in-detail

Crafted from raw concrete and shaped by angular geometry, this community hub integrates natural light and artistic expression to create a vibrant space dedicated to tattoo culture and creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from raw concrete, the exterior emphasizes a raw and industrial aesthetic.
02
Large glass façades enhance natural light while connecting interior spaces with the surrounding environment.
03
Designed with angular geometry, the structure creates visually dynamic spaces that challenge conventional forms.
04
Multipurpose facilities include a tattoo café and art galleries, fostering community interaction and cultural exchange.
05
Sustainability measures include maximizing daylight to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant experience.

### Project Overview

Located in Melbourne, Australia, "The Edge" is a Brutalist structure designed to accommodate a blend of public and private spaces, reflecting the city's cultural diversity and particular focus on tattoo artistry. The building aims to challenge societal perceptions surrounding tattoos, providing a platform for inclusivity and self-expression within a contemporary architectural framework.

### Spatial Composition and User Experience

The design emphasizes a dynamic spatial strategy through its architectural theatre, which features extensive glazing that fosters interaction between interior and exterior environments. This open approach invites the public to engage with artistic activities taking place within. A variety of facilities, including a tattoo café, galleries, and workshops, collectively create a versatile setting that promotes community involvement and learning around tattoo culture. The sculptural form of the building, characterized by overlapping profiles and varying heights, adds a layer of visual interest that contrasts with the linearity of surrounding structures.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Materials play a pivotal role in the building's identity. Concrete is utilized to represent the durability and foundational aspects of tattoo artistry, while glass is strategically integrated to enhance natural light within the heavier concrete shell. Steel elements provide structural integrity, and timber accents may be implemented for warmth in communal areas, offering a tactile counterpoint to the raw concrete and metal finishes. Sustainability is addressed through the strategic placement of windows and glass panels, reducing energy consumption and enhancing interior brightness, ultimately improving the user experience while contributing to the environmental performance of the building.

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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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