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Response To Urban Life Through Sliding Timber Panels And Natural Light

Author:
Nada Elmi
Response To Urban Life Through Sliding Timber Panels And Natural Light

Project in-detail

Sliding timber panels create adaptable spatial experiences that facilitate both reflection and social interaction within a compact urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sliding timber panels adjust to varying levels of openness, allowing personalized spatial experiences.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while adding a textured aesthetic.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity and visual appeal in a compact footprint.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both sustainability and superior thermal insulation.
05
The design integrates seamlessly into the urban context, promoting community interaction and reflection.
The architectural project "Mood" is an innovative design intervention situated in the urban landscape of Tokyo. It addresses the need for spaces that promote tranquility and reflection amidst the fast-paced city life. The project functions as a multi-use area designed for both individual contemplation and social engagement, allowing users to navigate between privacy and community interaction effectively.

The foundation of "Mood" is based on a structural system composed primarily of timber. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability while integrating into the city's architectural context. The timber arrangement results in flexible spaces that can be adapted to different environmental conditions, thus providing a responsive user experience.

Dynamic Spatial Configurations

One of the standout features of "Mood" is its sliding timber panels, which allow users to modify the structure’s openness and privacy levels. This design fosters an environment that responds to varying user needs, whether it’s seeking solitude or fostering social interaction. By allowing users to control their surroundings, the project emphasizes personal agency, which is a notable departure from traditional fixed architectural designs.

The panels can be fully opened to facilitate maximum daylight exposure and communal experiences or closed to create intimate, quiet spaces. This versatile spatial organization makes the design applicable to different activities, ranging from casual gatherings to meditation sessions, enhancing the usability and relevance of the structure in urban life.

Integration of Materiality and Environment

The project’s material palette primarily consists of timber, which not only serves a structural purpose but also enhances the aesthetic quality of the space. The use of timber contributes warmth and tactile comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the urban environment. This material choice is crucial in developing a space that resonates with its surroundings while promoting sustainability.

The layout ensures pedestrian-friendly access, integrating seamlessly into the context of Tokyo. The overhead sliding entrance exemplifies functional design that prioritizes user experience while maintaining an open connection to the street environment. Such details reflect a careful consideration of how architecture interacts with its site.

To explore further specifics of the "Mood" project, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to delve into the presentation materials. These insights will provide a comprehensive understanding of how this architectural intervention uniquely addresses urban challenges and promotes individual and community well-being through thoughtful design.
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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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