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Sailcloth Roof Over Wooden Shelves in a Community Reading Vessel

Authors:
Mariana Magalhães costa, Gustavo Andrade
Sailcloth Roof Over Wooden Shelves in a Community Reading Vessel

Project in-detail

A unique sailcloth roof shelters wooden shelves in a maritime-inspired vessel designed for community reading and book exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
A sailcloth roof provides weather protection while creating an inviting atmosphere.
02
Wooden shelves facilitate a book exchange, encouraging community collaboration.
03
The central mast serves as both a structural element and a seating area for readers.
04
Integrated bicycle rack promotes accessibility and encourages visits by bike.
05
The vessel’s shape resembles a boat, symbolizing exploration and literary journeys.

The Reading Vessel is an architectural design that brings together the concepts of reading and community. With a form that resembles a boat, it invites users to explore literature and enjoy interactions with others. The vessel functions as a lively space for sharing books and engaging in meaningful discussions, encouraging a sense of belonging among its visitors.

Design Concept

The structure draws inspiration from maritime elements, using wood clapboards for the hull. This material choice connects the vessel to themes of exploration and adventure found in both literature and travel. Inside, wooden shelves provide a space for book exchange, creating an atmosphere where knowledge can flow freely.

Functional Elements

At the center of the design, a mast supports three seating posts. These seating areas offer comfort for readers, allowing them to immerse themselves in their chosen stories. The mast also holds a sailcloth roof that protects readers from rain or sun, contributing to a pleasant reading environment.

Illumination and Accessibility

A lamp attached to the mast illuminates the reading space, enabling users to enjoy books even when the daylight fades. The vessel also features a bicycle rack integrated into the mast, promoting access for those who arrive on bikes. This arrangement reflects a commitment to community and encourages people to visit regularly.

The Reading Vessel stands out through its practical design and attention to user experience. The sailcloth roof provides shelter, while the arrangement of seating and lighting fosters engagement. Every detail of the vessel supports the joy of reading and enhances interaction among its users.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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