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Solar-Powered Community Hub Built with Sustainable Plywood and Cycle-Energy Innovations

Authors:
Diego Antonio Doña Meza, Heyner Rafael Avendaño Zamora, Haryeri Nadeishda Gómez Ortiz, Mary Jean López Salazar
Solar-Powered Community Hub Built with Sustainable Plywood and Cycle-Energy Innovations
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Utilizing solar panels and cycle-generated energy, the structure showcases sustainable plywood construction to serve as a multifunctional community hub dedicated to enhancing literacy and engagement through accessible reading resources.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with renewable plywood, the design minimizes environmental impact while maximizing durability.
02
Equipped with solar panels, the structure generates its own power for continuous operation.
03
Cycle-generated energy features encourage active community participation in sustainability efforts.
04
The bent A-frame design enhances structural stability while providing an aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
05
Outdoor reading spaces and interactive zones promote a sense of community and foster engagement.

### Overview

Livebrary is a Portable Reading Room designed to address global literacy challenges, particularly in underserved regions of Latin America and Africa. This multifunctional space aims to foster literacy and community engagement in locations where access to educational resources is limited. The architecture prioritizes sustainability and community involvement, creating an environment conducive to learning and collaboration.

### Spatial Layout and Functionality

The Livebrary features a tiered design comprising three main phases. The first phase establishes a core indoor reading space with integrated bookshelves. The second phase expands this reading area while incorporating elements designed for sun protection. The third phase promotes healthy living by introducing activities such as cycling, which generates clean energy. The layout is characterized by an open configuration that facilitates simultaneous activities in a defined space, promoting interaction across different user groups.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The primary material utilized in the construction of Livebrary is wood, chosen for its renewability, durability, and low environmental impact. Secondary materials include wooden beams for structural support, gravel for foundational stability, plywood for flooring, and metal casing for structural integrity. These materials were selected considering their low carbon footprint and adaptability to diverse locales, allowing for self-construction in varying environments.

Integration of solar panels enables energy autonomy, enhancing sustainability and operational feasibility in remote areas with limited electricity access. Additionally, mechanisms for energy generation through bicycles align with the project's emphasis on both sustainability and promoting active lifestyles.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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