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Translucent Glass Facades and Adaptable Study Areas in a Community Library Renovation

Authors:
Kim Taeho , Sunhyun Kim
Translucent Glass Facades and Adaptable Study Areas in a Community Library Renovation

Project in-detail

Translucent glass facades and flexible study areas redefine user engagement in a university library renovation, promoting collaboration and community interaction within an accessible educational environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass facades enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the surrounding campus.
02
Flexible study areas are designed to accommodate diverse learning formats and collaborative activities.
03
The integration of native vegetation supports local biodiversity and enhances the aesthetic environment.
04
Adaptive pathways improve circulation and accessibility, linking the library with nearby facilities.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique texture while enhancing durability and sustainability.

## Project Overview
The renovation of the university library at Daehak-ro in Ulsan, South Korea, seeks to enhance the facility's role within a vibrant academic setting. By reimagining the library structure, the intent is to redefine spatial dynamics in support of inclusivity and community engagement, fitting seamlessly into the surrounding urban fabric.

### Spatial Strategy and Connectivity
Strategically positioned as the main entrance to the university campus, the library renovation addresses challenges related to user circulation and spatial disconnection. The design emphasizes the integration of new pathways and multifunctional spaces, promoting accessibility and interaction among diverse user groups including students, faculty, and local residents. By creating intentional "clash zones," the design facilitates collaboration and exchanges of ideas, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

### Material Responsiveness
The architectural approach incorporates a variety of materials that align with functional and aesthetic purposes. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while glass façades enhance transparency and invite natural light, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Steel trusses are utilized for flexibility in space configuration, accommodating multiple functions such as study areas and meeting rooms. The inclusion of landscaped green spaces with native vegetation supports local biodiversity and contributes to the overall calming atmosphere, while brick pavers ensure coherent aesthetics in external pathways.

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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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
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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