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Translucent Canopies and Recycled Steel Frame Enhance Community Connectivity in Sustainable Cyclist Shelter

Author:
Kevin Le
Translucent Canopies and Recycled Steel Frame Enhance Community Connectivity in Sustainable Cyclist Shelter

Project in-detail

Crafted from recycled steel and designed with translucent canopies, this cyclist shelter facilitates a unique connection to the surrounding landscape while offering essential amenities for travelers on their journey.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes recycled steel for a sustainable and durable framework.
02
Translucent canopies enhance natural light and create a dynamic interior atmosphere.
03
Modular design allows for flexible usage of spaces, adapting to diverse community needs.
04
Landscaping is integrated into the architecture to promote biodiversity and ecological balance.
05
Essential amenities, such as eco-showers, cater specifically to the needs of traveling cyclists.
This architectural project presents a thoughtful exploration of design that emphasizes adaptability and user experience within a contemporary context. The central idea revolves around creating a flexible environment that responds to the needs of its users, particularly cyclists journeying through natural landscapes. By conceiving the architecture as an “empty container,” the design promotes various activities and fosters community interactions, thus enhancing the overall experience of traversing the site.

The architectural approach is characterized by its modularity, which allows for a dynamic range of functions within a limited footprint. This project features elevated structures designed to offer different perspectives of the surrounding landscape while facilitating seamless transitions between public and private spaces. Users are invited to engage with the architecture not only as a shelter but as a part of their journey, creating a deeper connection with both the built environment and nature.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s identity, as it employs a selection of sustainable components aimed at minimizing ecological impact. Recycled tube steel forms the backbone of the structural system, allowing for robust yet lightweight construction. The use of plastic floor grates provides a permeable surface that is both functional and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the incorporation of breathable waterproof tent fabric keeps the spaces comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that the design is responsive to climatic conditions.

The project features various interactive spaces intended for different activities, including bike racks, seating areas, and essential amenities such as eco-showers and toilets. This multifunctionality is a key component of the design, promoting community engagement while catering to individual needs. The architecture encourages users to interpret the spaces in diverse ways, enhancing the sense of freedom and exploration.

The distinctive visual elements of the design promote a luminous quality, with translucent materials allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. This not only enhances the ambiance but also creates a seamless connection between inside and outside, blurring the boundaries between the built and natural environments. By fostering an environment rich in light and openness, the design encourages spontaneous interactions among users while maintaining a sense of tranquility.

Uniquely, the project integrates landscaping within the architectural framework, promoting biodiversity and enhancing natural beauty in the vicinity. The architecture is not merely placed upon the landscape but is conceived as an extension of it, inviting users to appreciate their surroundings on multiple levels. This ecological sensitivity underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and reflects a balanced relationship between construction and the natural world.

The architectural design also reflects a progressive understanding of contemporary environmental challenges, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can influence user experience positively. By focusing on modularity and the careful selection of materials, this project sets out to redefine the potential for sensitivity in architecture through innovative design strategies.

For those interested in a deeper examination of this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, it is encouraged to explore the presentation further to gain comprehensive insights. Understanding the nuances of the design will enrich appreciation for the ways in which architecture can harmonize with nature while meeting the evolving needs of its users.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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