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Tarpaulin Canopy and Local Wood in a Community Reading Room

Authors:
Arefin Chisty, S m mushfeq-us-saleheen Chowdhury, Farhan al Rafi, Tasdir Islam
Tarpaulin Canopy and Local Wood in a Community Reading Room

Project in-detail

Utilizing a tarpaulin canopy and locally sourced wood, the design creates an accessible reading room that fosters literacy and community engagement among the Chakma and Marma populations by the Karnaphuli River.
5 key facts about this project
01
A book exchange point encourages community knowledge sharing.
02
Designed for natural ventilation to enhance user comfort.
03
Construction uses repurposed scaffolding to minimize waste.
04
Integrates traditional cultural elements of the Chakma and Marma communities.
05
Accessible design promotes engagement for all age groups.

The design centers around a portable reading room intended to improve literacy and foster community engagement among the Chakma and Marma populations living near the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh. This region faces notable educational challenges, with literacy rates at 15% for men and 7% for women. Located in Chondhroghona within the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the reading room is positioned to encourage interaction with the local culture and environment while addressing the need for accessible educational resources.

Design Concept

The project’s design aims to create a flexible space that responds to the specific environmental conditions of the area. By involving community members in the design and building processes, the project fosters a sense of ownership. This approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration, making community members active participants in enhancing their educational opportunities.

Functional Layout

The reading room includes areas designated for reading as well as a book exchange point, designed to promote knowledge-sharing among residents. The layout is organized to ensure accessibility and comfort, encouraging individuals to gather and engage with the space. This promotes a welcoming atmosphere focused on learning and social interaction, benefiting the entire community.

Material Use

The sustainable aspects of the design are evident in the choice of materials. Local wood provides structural support and enhances the overall aesthetic. The use of repurposed scaffolding minimizes waste, reflecting an environmentally conscious approach. Additionally, the canopy made of tarpaulin or canvas allows natural light and airflow, further increasing the room's usability.

Design Integration

A careful consideration of the local climate informs the architectural response. Features are included that enhance natural ventilation and thermal comfort, creating an airy environment. The open design encourages a connection with the natural surroundings, allowing the reading room to integrate into the landscape seamlessly. Attention to detail in the spatial arrangement ensures a comforting and inviting atmosphere for community use.

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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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