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Translucent Panels and Charred Shingles Enhance Community Spaces in a Virtual Context

Authors:
Samuel Higgwe, Marc Northstar, Eve Tobey
Translucent Panels and Charred Shingles Enhance Community Spaces in a Virtual Context

Project in-detail

Translucent panels and charred shingles create an immersive living experience that blends virtual interaction with communal spaces, redefining contemporary residency in a digital landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates translucent panels to enhance natural lighting and visibility throughout the space.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and weather resistance, reflecting a commitment to material durability.
03
The bent A-frame structure optimizes spatial dynamics, allowing for versatile interior configurations.
04
Interactive digital textures are applied to surfaces, facilitating engagement with the virtual environment.
05
Community-oriented spaces are intentionally designed to foster collaboration and connection among residents.
The Voronoi residency project is an innovative architectural venture that explores the intersection between physical spaces and virtual environments. It serves as a prototype for a living model that transcends traditional residential concepts by integrating advanced digital design processes with experiential living. This project reflects a contemporary understanding of how architecture can adapt to the evolving landscape of technology and human interaction, aiming to foster community engagement in a shared virtual platform.

At its core, the Voronoi project represents a shift in architectural thought, where the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible blur. The structural form embodies a series of organic shapes inspired by natural phenomena, emphasizing fluidity and interconnectedness. This design approach not only creates a visually appealing aesthetic but also encourages a sense of belonging among users. By reimagining the conventional living environment, the project invites individuals to engage with their surroundings in new ways, promoting social interaction and personal well-being.

The functionality of the residency is multi-faceted. It features several distinct areas, each designed to accommodate diverse activities and foster collaboration. Among these spaces are a communal living area that serves as the heart of the residence, where users can gather and share experiences. A dedicated meeting space supports collaborative work, equipped with flexible seating arrangements and interactive surfaces to facilitate brainstorming and creativity. Additionally, an innovative mining room introduces a gamified element, allowing residents to engage in learning through digital interactions and fostering skill development. The NFT vault provides a secure location for managing digital assets, enhancing the residency's relevance in today’s increasingly digital economy.

The architectural design is characterized by a thoughtful consideration of materiality and environmental interaction. The use of translucent materials creates a sense of spaciousness and lightness, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors while also fostering a connection with the digital outside world. Solid elements are incorporated to ensure stability and provide a contrast to the lighter forms, balancing the overall structural integrity. Digital textures applied throughout the design contribute to the immersive experience, simulating various environmental qualities and enhancing the residents' interaction with the space.

Unique design approaches are evident in the project's emphasis on dynamic interactivity. The architecture is not merely a backdrop; it actively engages users, enabling them to manipulate the environment with their avatars. This feature enhances the sense of presence and immersion, creating a participatory experience that is rare in traditional architectural settings. The modular configuration of spaces allows for scalability and adaptability, catering to the changing needs of users and fostering a flexible living experience.

Moreover, the conceptual foundations of the design are rooted in mathematical structures, notably the Voronoi diagram, which serves as an underlying thematic element. This diagrammatic representation of space encourages exploration and redefines conventional notions of human habitation, emphasizing relationships and networks over static boundaries.

In summary, the Voronoi residency project stands as a thoughtful exploration of modern architectural ideas, merging the physical and digital realms into a cohesive living space. Its innovative design, with its focus on community interaction, flexible functionality, and engaging spatial experiences, invites a rethinking of how architecture can serve individuals in both personal and communal contexts. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design approaches that make this project unique, exploring the project presentation will provide valuable insights into its comprehensive vision and execution.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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