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Translucent ETFE Shells Enhance Urban Soundscapes in Sustainable Community Space

Author:
Samuel Datubo Higgwe
Translucent ETFE Shells Enhance Urban Soundscapes in Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

A translucent ETFE structure envelops an interactive soundscape, inviting community engagement through acoustic exploration while seamlessly integrating sustainable energy solutions in an urban park setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent ETFE panels allow natural light to interact with sound installations.
02
Interactive audio elements invite visitors to engage and influence their environment.
03
Solar panels provide renewable energy to power the multimedia components.
04
Permeable pavements enhance stormwater management while improving accessibility.
05
The design promotes community gatherings in a flexible urban space.

### Project Overview
Located in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood, "Sonic Constellations" is a collaborative architectural installation that integrates art, technology, and urban experiences within Esprit Park. Covering a floor area of approximately 761 square meters, the installation aims to engage visitors through a sensory exploration of sound and light, reframing urban landscapes as a constellation of auditory experiences.

### Spatial Strategy
The design incorporates a fluid, organic form that interacts with the surrounding park environment. Gentle curves and enclosed spaces create varied auditory atmospheres, allowing visitors to move through distinct areas. The layout prioritizes accessibility, featuring ADA-compliant walkways and elevators that facilitate seamless circulation. Designated routes extend from the site's edges to central gathering points, fostering engagement and interaction. Touchpoints are strategically placed throughout the installation, enabling visitors to initiate sound experiences and encouraging a communal atmosphere.

### Material Selection
The structure utilizes a range of materials that contribute to its distinctive character:
- **ETFE Foil**: This lightweight, transparent material forms the installation's structural shell, enhancing illumination and sound projection.
- **Metal Framework**: Providing structural support, this element adds an industrial aesthetic to the design.
- **Translucent Light Panels**: Serving as screens for projected light, these panels integrate artistic and functional aspects into the installation.
- **Solar Panels**: These renewable energy sources power the audio-visual components, reflecting a sustainable approach.
- **Permeable Pavers**: The surrounding pavement is designed to manage water effectively while improving the pedestrian experience.

These choices not only reinforce the aesthetic vision but also emphasize environmental awareness and community relevance.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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