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Translucent Glass Facades and Cantilevered Concrete Create Dynamic Multi-Functional Space

Author:
Hooman Malaiery
Translucent Glass Facades and Cantilevered Concrete Create Dynamic Multi-Functional Space

Project in-detail

Cantilevered structures combined with translucent glass facades enable a seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, creating a versatile space for community engagement and various activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered sections create unobstructed spaces that enhance natural light flow.
02
Translucent glass facades facilitate a visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
Innovative use of charred wooden shingles provides both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
04
Flexible interior layouts allow for easy adaptation to various community functions.
05
The bent A-frame structure enhances structural stability while offering a unique silhouette.

### Overview

Located in a contemporary urban environment, POPLAB's "Emptiness of Creation" integrates advanced structural principles with a focus on cultural narratives and environmental responsiveness. The project aims to establish meaningful interactions between human activity and the surrounding space, employing philosophical concepts of emptiness and connectivity as key themes in its design.

### Material Composition and Structural System

The architectural design utilizes a sophisticated selection of materials that provide both structural stability and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include concrete for durability, glass for optimal light transmission, and steel for structural support in cantilevered sections. The translucent facades enable a play of light and shadow, enhancing the spatial experience while fostering transparency between internal and external environments.

The structural innovation is evident in the use of a cantilevered system, which defies conventional expectations of form and space. The design employs deep concrete piles and framed columns to efficiently distribute loads. Notable elements, such as W40x150 beams, contribute to the spatial organization by allowing for expansive open areas while maintaining structural integrity. The advanced computational methods employed in the design process ensure that both performance and visual coherence are achieved.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

Internally, the layout is designed to promote fluidity and adaptability, accommodating a variety of activities from exhibitions to communal gatherings. Flexible partition spaces can be modified to suit user needs, facilitating an effective response to diverse programming demands. Concourse areas enhance social interaction and collaboration, connecting interior spaces with the outdoors and fostering a sense of community.

Vertical circulation is emphasized through sculptural staircases and strategically placed elevators, which contribute to the vertical experience of the building. This design choice reflects a respect for both natural and urban landscapes, encouraging a dynamic relationship between users and the architectural form throughout the day as light and activities evolve.

### Sustainability Initiatives

The project incorporates sustainability measures to enhance energy efficiency and ecological balance. Natural ventilation strategies are integrated through design orientations that optimize airflow, while green roofs and gardens contribute to biodiversity and provide community spaces for engagement. These features reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship while promoting well-being and connection among users.

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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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