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Translucent Plexiglass and Recycled Materials Enhance Community Interaction

Authors:
Salvatore Mascolo, Sarah Sorano
Translucent Plexiglass and Recycled Materials Enhance Community Interaction

Project in-detail

With a focus on transparency through expansive Plexiglass surfaces and a commitment to sustainability utilizing recycled materials, the design fosters community engagement and interaction within a functional gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Expansive Plexiglass walls maximize natural light and create visual connections between indoor and outdoor areas.
02
The use of recycled materials underscores a commitment to sustainability in the design.
03
Acoustic considerations are integrated with a dedicated sound system to enhance user experience.
04
Wood elements introduce warmth and tactile variety in contrast to the industrial aspects of steel.
05
Multiple viewing angles within the layout encourage exploration and interaction among users.

The project presents a well-structured and systematic approach to design, situated in a contemporary urban environment. It aims to blend practical use with an appealing form. The layout is organized to foster interactions among users, promoting a sense of community. With an emphasis on openness, the design creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing occupants to feel connected to their surroundings.

Materials

A selection of materials forms a critical part of the design. Steel serves as the main structural element, providing strength and flexibility. This durable material allows for large, open spaces, aligning with the overall design vision.

Wood adds a layer of warmth and visual interest, contrasting with the industrial appearance of steel. Using wood not only enhances comfort within the space but also supports sustainability, as it is a renewable resource.

Plexiglass is incorporated for its transparency, letting in natural light and creating visual links between different areas. The choice to use recycled materials emphasizes a commitment to environmental responsibility, reflecting a growing trend in modern design practices.

The arrangement of spaces and diverse views encourages exploration and interaction. Each perspective reveals unique features, helping users understand how different areas work together. The attention to acoustics, highlighted by the inclusion of a sound system, enhances the experience, making the space feel alive with activity.

The combination of materials and design elements results in a thoughtful architectural expression, where each part plays a role in shaping the overall environment. Natural light filters through the Plexiglass, casting changing patterns throughout the day. This dynamic interaction between light and material creates an engaging atmosphere for those who inhabit the space.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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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
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