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Repurposed Barn with Curvilinear Architecture Using Copper and Glass Elements for Community Wellness Spaces

Author:
Rodrigo Mazari Armida
Repurposed Barn with Curvilinear Architecture Using Copper and Glass Elements for Community Wellness Spaces

Project in-detail

A repurposed barn seamlessly integrates curvilinear architecture, copper accents, and expansive glass to create a welcoming environment centered around community wellness and tranquility.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a repurposed barn, blending historical significance with modern functionality.
02
Curvilinear architecture enhances the fluidity of the space, promoting a natural flow between indoor and outdoor areas.
03
Copper cladding used in the roofing will develop a unique patina over time, adding to the building's character.
04
The structure features silence chambers specifically designed for meditation and reflection, addressing contemporary wellness needs.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and a warm aesthetic, emphasizing sustainability in construction.
This architectural project represents a thoughtful integration of built structures within a natural landscape, embodying a design philosophy centered around comfort, community, and environmental sensitivity. The architecture is crafted to enhance local ecosystems while promoting positive experiences for its occupants. The project's functionality extends beyond mere shelter; it fosters social interaction, individual reflection, and a deep connection to its surroundings.

A significant aspect of this project is its layout, which features a series of interconnected pavilions. These pavilions house various functions, including communal areas, guest accommodations, and private living spaces. The main kitchen and dining area serve as the heart of the design, facilitating gatherings and shared meals that bring the community together. Adjacent to this space, the host's house provides a cozy retreat for the primary residents, ensuring comfort and intimacy while remaining accessible to guests. The guest bedrooms, organized in clusters, encourage a sense of camaraderie while ensuring personal privacy.

One of the unique design approaches taken in this project is the incorporation of a repurposed barn, which enhances the site’s historical narrative. Utilizing existing structures emphasizes sustainability through adaptive reuse, lowering the ecological footprint of the development. This barn not only serves functional needs but also acts as a distinctive design element that ties past and present together within the architectural space.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this design, with a deliberate choice of elements that reflect the local environment. The use of brick as a foundational material provides durability, while wooden structures and cladding create a warm, inviting aesthetic. The soft tones of copper roofing age gracefully, contributing character to the overall design, while expansive glass panels invite an abundance of natural light and create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. These material choices are not merely aesthetic; they also enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, reflecting a modern architectural sensibility.

The design deliberately engages with the surrounding landscape, creating a dialogue between the architecture and its natural context. The pathways meander through the site, inviting exploration and leisurely walks while maintaining a gentle integration with the terrain. This thoughtful maneuvering minimizes disruption to the ecological systems present, allowing the area’s natural beauty to shine through the architectural intervention.

A salient component of the project is its focus on well-being, manifesting in spaces designed for solitude and communal enjoyment. The inclusion of silence chambers offers quiet retreats for reflection and meditation, illustrating a contemporary understanding of mental health needs in architectural design. Additionally, multifunctional areas, such as the main event hall, highlight the intention to create vibrant spaces for gatherings, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

The architectural approach within this project encapsulates a modern ethos that harmonizes living spaces with the environment. Emphasis on local materials, sustainable practices, and the preservation of existing structures reflects a commitment to thoughtful architecture that respects its geographical context.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project, an exploration of its presentation will provide comprehensive insights into its innovative ideas and unique features. Engaging with these various elements will enhance understanding of the project’s approach to contemporary architecture, emphasizing the significance of place and community in design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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