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Translucent Cotton Shell and Spiraling Ramp Elevate Community Gathering Space

Author:
Jan Storm
Translucent Cotton Shell and Spiraling Ramp Elevate Community Gathering Space
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A translucent cotton shell envelops a spiraling ramp, allowing natural light to grace a community gathering space designed for flexible use and engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiraling ramp provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.
02
The Great Hall accommodates up to 70 people, promoting community interaction.
03
Locally sourced roundwood timber is used structurally, enhancing sustainability.
04
A translucent cotton shell allows for natural light while maintaining interior comfort.
05
Flexible annex design can be easily adapted to changing community needs.

The Spirala Community Home emerges within an elevated landscape, thoughtfully designed to encourage community interaction and shared experiences. It features two main areas that serve distinct purposes: the Great Hall for gatherings and an annex for other activities. The design is inspired by the form of a barred galactic spiral, which helps to establish a connection between the building and its natural environment.

Design Concept and Layout

The layout is carefully arranged to support a range of communal activities. The Great Hall stands at 12 meters wide and 5 meters high, providing a substantial area of 108 square meters. This space is intended to comfortably accommodate between 50 and 70 people. Additional storage space is located below the interior spiral ramp, enhancing the functionality of the design.

Exterior Features

One of the key features of the Spirala Community Home is the exterior spiral ramp. This ramp encircles the building and creates a continuous walkway, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding views from multiple angles. The entrances are positioned along the west-east axis to facilitate easy access and movement throughout the space.

Materials and Sustainability

The structure utilizes locally sourced roundwood timber, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability. For the outer shell, a translucent cotton cloth is used, which allows natural light to filter into the building. The flooring includes locally sourced black and white tiles arranged in a pattern that reflects the galactic spiral theme, enhancing the overall design aesthetic.

Ventilation and Climate Control

Natural ventilation plays a vital role in controlling the indoor climate of the home. During warm months, air flows in from the base, rises, and exits through upper sections. In colder weather, warmth from the floor moves toward the walls, providing comfort for occupants.

The design of the Spirala Community Home blends functionality with attention to the natural landscape, creating an inviting environment that promotes community engagement and connection to nature.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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