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Reflective Pool and Spiral Staircase Enhancing Urban Flow with Concrete and Wood Elements

Authors:
Kyle Chakour, Zack Werba, Cole Davis
Reflective Pool and Spiral Staircase Enhancing Urban Flow with Concrete and Wood Elements

Project in-detail

A spiral staircase and a reflective pool integrate seamlessly with concrete and wood elements, enhancing urban flow while providing a versatile cultural space for poetry and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral staircase serves as a central architectural feature, enhancing vertical flow.
02
The design incorporates a reflective pool that aids in natural light distribution throughout the space.
03
Concrete elements are strategically combined with wooden accents to create a dynamic aesthetic.
04
The layout allows for multifunctional spaces, adaptable for various community events.
05
Rhythmic columns define the exterior, inviting engagement and interaction with the surrounding public space.

## Overview
The Galen Square Poetry Hall is situated within an urban environment that reflects contemporary European architectural traditions. The design aims to integrate artistic expression with public accessibility, creating a venue dedicated to poetry and literature. The architecture is developed to foster human interaction and elevate the artistic experience, positioning the hall as an essential cultural asset in the community.

## Spatial Configuration and Interaction
The layout of the facility prioritizes both openness and intimate settings, accommodating diverse activities such as readings, performances, and informal gatherings. Circulation within the building is optimized through a combination of circular and linear pathways, enhancing visitor interaction and facilitating easy navigation. The vertical movement is accentuated by a spiral staircase, promoting engagement with the space.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The structural integrity of the Galen Square Poetry Hall is predominantly achieved through the use of concrete, known for its durability and versatility. Glass is incorporated strategically to enhance natural lighting, while steel reinforces key structural elements. Interior finishes utilize wood to provide warmth and texture, creating a balanced atmosphere. Sustainability is a pivotal consideration, as the design maximizes natural light and employs materials with extended life spans, embodying principles of modern architectural practice. A central water feature not only enriches the aesthetic qualities of the space but also contributes to the hall's environmental integration.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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