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Translucent ETFE Roof and Natural Stone Facade in Multi-Religious Museum Design

Author:
Yutong Qiu
Translucent ETFE Roof and Natural Stone Facade in Multi-Religious Museum Design

Project in-detail

With a dynamic, undulating ETFE roof and a facade formed from local stone, the multi-religious museum in Kashgar serves as an inclusive space for education and reflection on diverse faiths.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum incorporates a unique ETFE roof that enhances natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency.
02
Local stone is featured prominently in the facade, connecting the building to its cultural context.
03
The spatial layout encourages non-linear movement, fostering exploration and interaction among visitors.
04
A rainwater harvesting system integrates sustainability into the building’s functionality.
05
Dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection accommodate diverse religious practices within the same structure.

**Overview**

Located in Kashgar, China, the Multi-Religious Museum serves as a platform for exploring spiritual themes and cultural intersections. Drawing on the historical context of Kashgar along the Silk Road, the design seeks to reconcile diverse religious identities through architectural expression. It honors the significance of sacred spaces while employing contemporary design principles to address modern architectural challenges.

**Spatial Arrangement and Interior Dynamics**

The museum's spatial organization encourages exploration and interaction, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity. The ground floor features communal areas, galleries, and educational facilities, while the first floor offers designated spaces for prayer and meditation. This non-linear layout enhances the interconnectedness of various faiths, inviting users to engage deeply with the space and with one another. The undulating roofline introduces a dynamic visual quality, allowing light to play across the interiors and creating diverse atmospheres throughout the day.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives**

The project utilizes a carefully considered palette of materials that balance structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. Reinforced concrete provides a strong foundation, while extensive use of glass fosters transparency and a connection to the outdoors. The application of translucent ETFE contributes to the sculptural quality of the roof and offers thermal benefits. Additionally, a steel framework supports the undulating structure, ensuring resilience. Local textiles and stones reinforce cultural continuity, linking the museum to Kashgar’s artisan heritage.

Sustainability is a key consideration, demonstrated through the inclusion of a rainwater harvesting system, promoting ecological responsibility. The choice of long-lasting materials requires minimal maintenance, enhancing the project's longevity in an environmentally conscientious manner.

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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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