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Translucent Glass and Biocomposite Structures in Cohesive Urban Ecosystems

Authors:
Luming Xiao, Shanle Lin, OMAR AL-HASSAWI
Translucent Glass and Biocomposite Structures in Cohesive Urban Ecosystems

Project in-detail

Utilizing biocomposite materials and translucent glass, the design integrates seamlessly into urban ecosystems while serving as a multifunctional community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes biocomposite materials that enhance environmental integration.
02
Incorporates translucent glass to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize structural stability and aesthetics.
04
Employs earthen materials for thermal efficiency in arid conditions.
05
Integrates multifunctional spaces that foster community interaction and ecological education.

The architectural design project focuses on creating adaptive structures that reflect an understanding of contemporary ecological issues. By integrating innovative materials and sustainable practices, the project aims to reshape the relationship between humanity and nature in various environments, including urban areas, deserts, oceans, and jungles. The design emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic harmony, ensuring that buildings contribute positively to their surroundings while serving as viable habitats.

Adaptive Design Strategies This project distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary approach, merging architecture with ecological theory and sustainable technologies. Each design element is carefully aligned with its respective environment. The urban designs employ organic forms and multifunctional spaces that foster community engagement. In desert contexts, structures utilize passive cooling techniques and earth-based materials to minimize energy use and ecological disturbance. For oceanic habitats, the project advocates for the use of recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to marine preservation. Finally, jungle designs incorporate organic shapes that promote biodiversity and create seamless interactions between wildlife and human activities.

Material Innovation and Environmental Considerations The project features a diverse range of construction materials tailored to the specific requirements of each setting. Notably, biocomposite materials, recycled plastics, bamboo, and earthen blocks are integrated into the architectural designs. By prioritizing the use of sustainable resources, the project addresses pressing environmental concerns such as resource depletion and habitat destruction. Additionally, the focus on passive design strategies showcases the potential for architecture to adapt to climate challenges while enhancing occupant well-being.

Explore the project presentation for further details, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that showcase these innovative approaches and the extensive research that informs the project's development.

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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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