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Solar-Powered Canopy with Art Deco Geometry for Enhanced Outdoor Space

Author:
Zachary Dinndayal Morgan
Solar-Powered Canopy with Art Deco Geometry for Enhanced Outdoor Space

Project in-detail

An elegant aluminum and fabric structure incorporates solar panels and Art Deco design, transforming outdoor environments by providing both shade and illumination for diverse functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the umbrella structure for energy efficiency.
02
The design incorporates Art Deco geometry, enhancing aesthetic appeal in outdoor settings.
03
Weather-resistant fabric provides durability while allowing for customizable graphics.
04
LED fixtures are embedded for functional nighttime illumination, enhancing usability.
05
The aluminum frame offers both lightweight construction and robust structural integrity.

**Overview**

The Sombra Umbrella is located in an outdoor urban environment, designed to enhance communal spaces through its innovative approach to sun shading and nighttime illumination. This project reinterprets the traditional umbrella, integrating dual functionality while contextualizing its form within contemporary architectural principles. The objective is to not only serve as an effective sunshade but also to provide ambient lighting and technology integration, improving user experience in outdoor settings.

**Functional Duality and User Integration**

The design embodies a dual functionality that sets it apart from conventional umbrellas. During daylight hours, it offers effective shade, while at night, it transitions into an ambient light source powered by embedded solar panels. This feature allows users to enjoy extended outdoor gatherings, effectively combining leisure with modern technological needs such as charging devices. The structural integrity of the umbrella is maintained even when not in use, ensuring that its aesthetic appeal is preserved.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Commitment**

The Sombra Umbrella utilizes a carefully chosen palette of materials focused on durability and environmental responsibility. The structural framework is constructed from lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum, providing both resilience and longevity. The canopy is made from weather-resistant polyester and vinyl fabrics, which can be printed with various designs to enhance visual interest. Integrated LED lighting offers energy-efficient illumination, while solar panels collect energy to support nighttime functionality. This thoughtful selection of materials not only upholds aesthetic principles but also reduces the overall energy footprint, embodying a commitment to sustainable design practices.

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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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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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