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Sculptural Roof Design with Glass and Wood in a Child-Focused Learning Environment

Authors:
Haneol Kwon, Cheolhyeong Park
Sculptural Roof Design with Glass and Wood in a Child-Focused Learning Environment

Project in-detail

With a multifaceted glass roof that plays with light and shadow, this child-focused learning environment seamlessly integrates wooden elements and natural landscapes to create an inviting space that fosters exploration and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof design features a complex geometry that enhances natural light permeation while creating playful shadow patterns indoors.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability while promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used to enhance weather resistance and add a unique aesthetic appeal to the exterior.
04
The learning spaces are designed with movable partitions, allowing for flexible use and adaptability for various group activities.
05
The integration of natural grass areas encourages outdoor play, fostering a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.
VANE House is an architectural project that captures the essence of a community-centered environment designed specifically for children. This structure serves not only as a physical space but as a representation of an intentional approach to child development and social interaction, creating a nurturing and engaging atmosphere that features a harmonious blend with its natural surroundings.

The design of VANE House reflects a well-considered integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, aiming to foster curiosity and encourage exploration among its young inhabitants. The architecture places a strong emphasis on playfulness, enhancing the overall functionality while ensuring that each area supports the developmental needs of children. The thoughtful layout enables a variety of activities to take place within its walls, supporting the diverse needs of families and caregivers while enhancing the communal experience.

The unique roof design is one of the project’s most notable features. With its engaging angles and multifaceted planes, the roof is not merely a protective structure; it serves as a sculptural element that interacts with sunlight, casting dynamic patterns within the interior. The use of glass in the roof not only floods the space with natural light but also opens up visual connections to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the relationship between the built and natural environments.

Inside, the layout is intuitive and adaptable, promoting movement and social interaction. Key zones within the space include a welcoming entry area that sets the tone for the building experience, a resting area that allows for quiet reflection, and a flexible learning space that can easily accommodate different group sizes for educational activities. The inclusion of movable partitions allows for customization of these spaces as needed, emphasizing a design philosophy that empowers children to take part in shaping their environments.

Materiality in VANE House is carefully selected to support both its aesthetic goals and functional requirements. The prominent use of wood throughout the floors and structural elements introduces warmth and comfort, creating a tactile experience essential for a child-friendly space. Aluminum plays a role in the roofing, combining durability with minimal maintenance needs, while large areas of glass facilitate eye-catching connections with the outdoors and enhance energy efficiency. The integration of green grass in the landscape design offers children a safe, soft area for play and interaction with nature, further bridging the indoor and outdoor experiences.

VANE House showcases unique design approaches that prioritize environmental integration and social connectivity. The design team has effectively embraced an architectural language that speaks to the importance of supporting early childhood development while being mindful of sustainability. Each feature, from spatial arrangements to material choices, contributes to an atmosphere that champions independence and community building among children and families.

This project stands as a testament to intentional architecture that truly considers the future generations it aims to serve. VANE House is not merely a building; it is an environment where children can thrive, explore, and grow within a nurturing setting. For those interested in understanding the full scope of this architectural endeavor, please explore the project presentation for architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that provide deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations behind VANE House.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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