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Solar-Powered Community Hub with Plywood Structure and Skylight Design

Authors:
Kemet Floyd, Badr Zabarah
Solar-Powered Community Hub with Plywood Structure and Skylight Design

Project in-detail

The angled roof supports solar collectors while the plywood structure incorporates sliding skylights, creating a sustainable hub for community engagement and accessible literature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses an angled roof to accommodate solar collectors for energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates an easy detachable opening for enhanced accessibility to literature.
03
Features sliding skylight panels that maximize natural light in the reading area.
04
Includes a well-designed drainage system to protect stored literature from water damage.
05
Designed with a modular form to adapt to diverse community environments.

The Book Stop is designed to enhance public access to literature and address the ongoing challenge of limited resources. Located in varied cultural environments, it functions as a communal space dedicated to sharing knowledge. This project balances a modern design with a commitment to creating an inviting atmosphere for readers of all ages.

Modular Design and Accessibility

The design focuses on being accessible and facilitating interaction among users. An easy detachable opening helps people reach the reading space and the literature within it without hassle. This thoughtful approach encourages community members to engage with the space and its contents. Sliding doors that double as skylight panels allow natural light to fill the interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages reading and social interaction.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a significant aspect of the design. The angled roof accommodates solar collectors that provide charging solutions for electronic devices, promoting energy conservation. Additionally, the building includes a drainage system that protects the stored literature from water damage, ensuring that the materials inside remain in good condition. Such features demonstrate a commitment to environmentally friendly practices that are important in modern design.

Material Selection

The choice of materials contributes to the structure’s strength and visual appeal. Notable materials include 2"x6"x10" plywood used for supporting panels and 3"x12" metal plates that reinforce durability. Solar power banks supply energy needs while maintaining a balance between functionality and comfort. Practical elements such as a blue mod storage chair and large dry wall screw sets enhance the usability of the space. The project also incorporates a 4"x10" diameter metal bar and metal bike halt racks, integrating everyday functions seamlessly into the design.

The overall composition of The Book Stop allows it to serve as both a shelter for books and a gathering space for the community. The arrangement of various elements prioritizes user experience and fosters a sense of belonging. Thoughtfully placed 2" glazing optimizes light entry, enriching the atmosphere and enhancing the reading experience for everyone involved.

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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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