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Terraced Structure with Color Gradient Enhances Community Collaboration

Authors:
Johan Cheah, Raymond Castro, Christian Pena, Draven Pointer
Terraced Structure with Color Gradient Enhances Community Collaboration

Project in-detail

A vibrant façade transitioning from red to blue supports a terraced structure that integrates co-living, production, and performance spaces, fostering collaboration among artists in the heart of Austin's cultural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A vibrant color gradient transitions from red to blue on the building’s façade.
02
The structure features three primary cores that allow for elevated segments.
03
Co-living modules promote flexible collaboration among diverse artists.
04
Terraced forms enhance the connection to the surrounding natural environment.
05
Performance spaces are designed to encourage public engagement and interaction.

The design located in Austin, Texas, embodies the city's cultural scene and artistic energy. Renowned as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin experiences rapid transformation, requiring thoughtful design that maintains its unique character. The structure serves as a hub for creativity, blending areas for living, production, and performance to engage the community and encourage collaboration among artists.

Concept and Functionality

The design focuses on mixing various functions to create an environment that supports artistic expression. By bringing together different spaces, the goal is to promote creativity through interaction. This is not just a place for individuals to work; it is a center for collaboration among artists from different fields. A shared space fosters innovation and helps build a feeling of community among its users.

Architectural Form

The layout includes three main cores that provide stability to the structure, allowing segments to appear elevated. This effect is achieved through layered trusses that create a sense of lightness and movement. The way these layers interact not only enhances the building's overall appearance but also symbolizes the interconnected nature of art forms. Each level invites a dialogue, encouraging artistic collaboration and exploration.

Façade and Materiality

The façade features a vibrant transition from red at the bottom to blue at the top. This gradient brings an energetic quality that reflects the local artistic landscape. The choice of colors is purposeful; it enlivens the urban space and becomes part of the city’s visual story. The design intends to weave artistic expression into architecture, enhancing the character of the area surrounding it.

Community and Co-Living Spaces

With the aim of drawing artists back to downtown, the design includes co-living modules that promote collaboration. These flexible spaces allow for both private and shared work, helping to build a sense of community while still offering the necessary privacy individual creators sometimes need. This approach demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, as it creates an environment where diverse artistic efforts can flourish.

The project integrates terraced forms that enhance the relationship with the natural environment. Visitors approaching the building are invited to experience performance spaces meant for public engagement. As they enter, they encounter artistic showcases that reflect Austin's rich cultural identity. Each detail contributes to a cohesive narrative that celebrates creativity and community.

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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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