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Recycled Glass Walls and Timber Framework in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Syeda ruaida Islam, Rashid anjum Adil
Recycled Glass Walls and Timber Framework in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Recycled glass walls and a timber framework define a unique community hub in India, seamlessly integrating a meditation chamber and a green zone for vegetable harvesting, promoting sustainability alongside social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique green zone for vegetable harvesting included in the upper level.
02
Meditation chamber designed for personal reflection and tranquility.
03
Recycled glass walls enhance natural light and visibility throughout the space.
04
Conserved stone wall connects the structure to its historical roots.
05
Timber framework offers warmth and ties the design to local materials.

The Barn of the Ozolin Tea Maker is located in the Indian sub-continent, creating a blend of culture and modern living. Drawing from the banyan tree, the design concept highlights themes of continuity and connection with the surrounding environment. This building serves multiple functions, promoting a space for both community interaction and individual moments of solitude.

Architectural Concept

The design emphasizes the balance between communal and individual spaces. A large multi-purpose gathering area invites social engagement, providing a setting for various activities. At the same time, a meditation chamber offers a quiet retreat for personal reflection. This design considers the diverse needs of the occupants, allowing for both connection and personal time.

Materiality

A timber frame forms the core structure of the building, offering stability and warmth to the interior. Recycled glass fills inclined walls, allowing natural light to flood the space and promoting ventilation. This focus on sustainability enhances energy efficiency while showcasing a commitment to responsible material use. PET flakes are used for insulation at lower levels, further supporting the aim of reducing waste.

Historical Context

The conserved stone wall ties the new structure back to its historical setting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining heritage. This design choice connects the modern elements with the past, reinforcing the narrative of the site. A wooden floor enhances the barn's natural aesthetic, adding to the overall sensory experience and complementing the surrounding environment.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a key role in the project, particularly on the upper level, where a green zone is designed for vegetable harvesting. This feature encourages self-sufficiency in food production, linking the occupants to their environment. The thoughtful integration of nature into the design highlights a lifestyle that appreciates local produce and community interaction.

The design incorporates large glass elements and thoughtful airflow, creating a welcoming atmosphere that honors the relationship between the past and the present. It presents a balance of historical respect and modern living, ensuring that the barn serves its community while promoting sustainability.

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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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