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Solar Trees and Kinetic Sculptures Enhance Educational Journey in Sustainable Museum Setting

Solar Trees and Kinetic Sculptures Enhance Educational Journey in Sustainable Museum Setting

Project in-detail

Characterized by solar trees and kinetic sculptures, the design transforms an educational space into an interactive experience that fosters engagement with science and technology.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors through hands-on learning experiences.
02
Solar trees provide renewable energy while serving as functional art installations.
03
Kinetic sculptures are integrated to visually demonstrate principles of physics and motion.
04
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and promotes fire resistance.
05
The landscape design integrates native flora, promoting biodiversity and sustainability.

### Project Overview

Located in Thessaloniki, Greece, the NOESIS initiative is designed as an open-air museum focused on science and technology. Its primary objective is to enhance public engagement with scientific subjects through interactive learning experiences. The project emphasizes environmental sustainability while creating spaces that promote intellectual curiosity and community interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The master plan reflects a thorough analysis of the site's geography and microclimate, which directly influences the spatial organization and user experience. The layout incorporates natural features, such as existing topography and vegetation, to improve accessibility and create a dynamic exploration environment. Pathways are intentionally designed to meander through the site, facilitating movement and encouraging visitors to discover various educational installations.

Distinct functional zones cater to diverse learning activities, including an interactive Game Area, an Observatory for astronomical engagement, and an Energy Park dedicated to renewable energy education. Additional spaces such as Miner Park and Foca Park provide recreational opportunities while offering educational insights into ecological diversity.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques

The design prioritizes the use of sustainable and locally-sourced materials. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural material due to its durability, while glass is incorporated to enhance transparency, promoting a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wood is utilized for landscaping elements and pavilions, contributing to a natural aesthetic that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. Steel plays a crucial role in the construction of frameworks and interactive installations, providing both strength and contemporary appeal.

Innovative installations throughout the park include solar trees, which not only symbolize renewable energy but also offer shaded areas for visitors, and kinetic sculptures that engage with environmental conditions to illustrate principles of motion and physics. These design elements collectively create a cohesive environment that promotes both scientific understanding and environmental stewardship.

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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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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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MICROHOME
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Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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