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Translucent Polycarbonate Facade and Adaptive Modular Design in an Urban Workspace

Author:
Aaron Zachary Smithson
Translucent Polycarbonate Facade and Adaptive Modular Design in an Urban Workspace

Project in-detail

A translucent polycarbonate facade combined with modular design elements creates a flexible urban workspace that fosters community interaction and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate facade enhances natural light while providing visual connectivity to the environment.
02
HDPE spheres incorporated into the design create unique aesthetic and practical elements.
03
Modular configurations allow for adaptable workspace arrangements based on user needs.
04
Lightwells strategically placed throughout the building improve air quality and promote well-being.
05
Ground floor public spaces facilitate community interaction and engagement.

**Context and Concept**

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along Cambridge Street, the project is positioned at a pivotal intersection between the vibrant Beacon Hill neighborhood and the Massachusetts General Hospital campus. This strategic site facilitates interactions among diverse users, including office workers and healthcare professionals. The design aims to redefine contemporary workplace standards by fostering a sanctuary-like atmosphere within an urban office environment, addressing the need for flexibility, privacy, and well-being in the wake of increasing remote work scenarios.

**Spatial Strategy and Modularity**

The design features a modular floor plan accommodating approximately 100 workers, employing a grid system that supports a range of spatial configurations. This layout includes individual offices, collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and communal areas. The arrangement achieves a balance between open and private zones, with shared gathering spaces centrally located. Individual offices are positioned along the perimeter to maximize natural light and views while providing necessary privacy. The modular nature of the design allows for adaptable use, enabling easy reconfiguration to meet the evolving needs of users, deviating from traditional static office layouts.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

Sustainability is a key focus in the selection of materials, which includes high-density polyethylene spheres for external elements, double-pane glazing for thermal efficiency and sound insulation, and a translucent polycarbonate façade that enhances light interaction while maintaining privacy. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while polished concrete floors ensure aesthetic quality and ease of maintenance. Ribbed ceramic tiles add both visual interest and functional performance. This thoughtful material palette not only reduces energy consumption by maximizing daylight access but also contributes to a visually engaging workspace that aligns with sustainable practices.

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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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