Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reticulated Concrete Sphere Integrating Flexible Fabric and Community Hub Functions

Authors:
Ryo Kawamoto, Haruka Taharasako, Kazuma Yoshinaga
Reticulated Concrete Sphere Integrating Flexible Fabric and Community Hub Functions

Project in-detail

A reticulated concrete sphere, designed to facilitate community interactions through adaptable spaces and integrated ventilation, stands as a multifunctional hub within an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spherical form promotes inclusivity and natural flow of movement within the space.
02
Reticulated concrete walls employ a lightweight design to maximize structural efficiency.
03
Integrated ventilation openings enhance air circulation while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
04
Flexible fabric panels adapt the interior for various community functions and events.
05
Ground-level plaza connects public transit seamlessly, enhancing accessibility for users.

### Overview

Located in an urban environment, the Atmo-sphere project aims to enhance community engagement through its distinctive architectural design. The central concept revolves around a 25-meter diameter spherical structure that facilitates social interaction and promotes a vibrant atmosphere. By integrating aesthetic considerations with functional requirements, the design enhances both visual appeal and user experience, catering to a diverse range of activities from social gatherings to artistic exhibitions.

### Spatial Organization

At the ground level, the design includes an open plaza that serves as a communal gathering spot, promoting social interaction among visitors. A tram station is strategically incorporated into the overall layout, improving public transportation access and emphasizing sustainable connectivity. The upper levels feature a multifunctional hall designed to accommodate various events, complemented by a café and bar that provide spaces for relaxation and socialization. This thoughtful arrangement fosters engagement by allowing users to experience the space from multiple perspectives.

### Material Selection and Construction Methodology

The use of innovative materials is critical to achieving the project’s structural and aesthetic goals. Flexible concrete impregnated fabric is employed to create a thin, resilient layer, while reticulated concrete bands form a lightweight yet durable façade, enhancing airflow and light diffusion within the structure. The construction process involves key stages, beginning with site preparation and the establishment of underground infrastructure, followed by a specialized formwork technique that utilizes an inflated balloon to shape the concrete. This method supports the integrity of the spherical form while allowing for efficient assembly and curing processes, facilitating the project's timely completion.

Strategically placed openings in the reticulated design enable ventilation and create interactions between indoor and outdoor environments, enriching the spatial experience through dynamic light and shadowplay. This combination of materiality and construction methodology underscores the project’s commitment to functionality while responding to contemporary architectural discourse.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy