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Translucent Facade and Green Roofs Enhance Community Cohesion in a Modern Workspace

Author:
ÇaĞil AkÇurİn
Translucent Facade and Green Roofs Enhance Community Cohesion in a Modern Workspace

Project in-detail

The use of a translucent facade alongside a green roof creates a harmonious integration of light and nature, fostering collaboration in a multifunctional workspace designed for adaptability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a translucent facade that maximizes natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
A green roof system enhances biodiversity and provides insulation for energy efficiency.
03
Flexible interior spaces utilize movable partitions to adapt for various functions.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural integrity and sustainability.
05
Charred wooden shingles create a durable, visually striking exterior finish.

### Overview
Located in Helsinki, Finland, "The Cube" is a contemporary architectural design aimed at streamlining various administrative and operational departments within a single cohesive facility. Developed in response to post-pandemic cultural shifts, the project emphasizes collaboration and sustainability, addressing the evolving expectations of modern workplaces.

### Spatial Configuration
The internal layout is organized around flexible workspaces that can adapt to the diverse needs of users. Notable areas include versatile workshops equipped with movable partitions for dynamic activities, state-of-the-art laboratories aimed at fostering innovation and collaborative research, and a strategically positioned canteen that encourages communal interaction. Additionally, recreational zones are incorporated to enhance mental well-being, providing spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation within the facility.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The design employs a careful selection of materials that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. The extensive use of glass in the façade ensures natural light permeates the interiors, while concrete provides structural durability. Steel reinforces the framework, and wood elements are integrated to create warmth and a connection to the surrounding nature. Sustainability strategies are embedded throughout, featuring natural ventilation through large openings, green roofs for insulation and biodiversity, and rainwater harvesting systems to minimize environmental impact. The reflection pool, situated at the building's forefront, enhances the visual connection with the landscape while promoting natural cooling.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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