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Sinusoidal Form Crafted From Biodegradable PLA With Kinetic Flooring in Urban Workspace Design

Authors:
Thankam Philip Varghese , Priya Saji, Satish Sreekumar Sreekumar Narayanan, Robin Mathew, Tiza Elizabeth Abraham
Sinusoidal Form Crafted From Biodegradable PLA With Kinetic Flooring in Urban Workspace Design

Project in-detail

Crafted with biodegradable PLA and incorporating kinetic flooring, this urban workspace maximizes flexibility and connectivity within a modular design that efficiently utilizes limited space beneath Dubai's metro system.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from biodegradable PLA, promoting environmental sustainability.
02
Incorporates kinetic flooring that generates energy from user movements.
03
Features a sinusoidal form that enhances spatial fluidity and aesthetics.
04
Designed for modularity, allowing easy reconfiguration to meet changing needs.
05
Located beneath Dubai's metro, optimizing urban space utilization and connectivity.

## Overview

The Metro Workspace is situated in Dubai, UAE, beneath the existing Dubai World Trade Center Metro, addressing the challenges of limited available land in a high-density urban context. The design conceptualizes a modular office environment that enhances connectivity and productivity, offering a scalable solution suitable for replication along the metro's extensive 70 kilometers. The project aims to breathe new life into underutilized urban areas while facilitating community engagement, accommodating approximately 100 personnel in each modular unit.

## Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The spatial strategy prioritizes flexibility and adaptability, featuring a fluid configuration that meets the evolving demands of the urban landscape. Public areas are integrated throughout, including lounges and informal meeting spaces that cultivate collaboration and interaction among users. The ground floor is designed to accommodate dual-purpose areas to foster engagement, while the layout includes varied zones for individual work, group collaboration, and relaxation. An inviting wellness corridor, lined with greenery, ensures accessibility from metro stations, maintaining a maximum distance of 500 meters.

## Material Innovation and Sustainability

The material selection demonstrates a commitment to sustainable design practices, employing innovative materials that reduce environmental impact while providing functional and aesthetic benefits. Notable components include 3D Printed PLA, which offers a lightweight, biodegradable option for walls, and kinetic flooring that generates energy from movement. A diagrid steel structural system, inspired by traditional Mashrabiya, facilitates natural ventilation and shading, while epoxy-impregnated transparent wood enhances insulation and light diffusion. The overall material palette reflects a contemporary approach to eco-friendly construction, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals.

Internally, the layout spans three primary levels: the ground floor features public spaces and wellness centers; the first floor hosts specialized team offices for structured collaboration; and the second floor is dedicated to individual offices, promoting focus and privacy. Each level is designed to support a range of activities, facilitating easy movement while maintaining distinct functional zones.

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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
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