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Translucent Polycarbonate Facades and Modular Timber Structures Enhance Community Engagement in Market Design

Author:
奕明 陈
Translucent Polycarbonate Facades and Modular Timber Structures Enhance Community Engagement in Market Design

Project in-detail

Translucent polycarbonate panels and locally sourced timber come together in a modular design that creates versatile spaces for community interaction and market activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while minimizing heat gain.
02
Locally sourced timber is used for structural stability and aesthetics.
03
Modular design allows for flexible configurations tailored to various market activities.
04
Natural ventilation strategies promote a comfortable environment throughout the year.
05
Educational spaces within the market facilitate community engagement and experiential learning.

The Green Shade Market is an architectural project located in Latvia, designed to serve as a multifunctional community hub. The structure integrates the elements of a market with social spaces, promoting interaction among diverse activities including food sales, leisure gatherings, and educational workshops. This project aims to foster local engagement and elevate community values through sustainable design principles.

The layout of the Green Shade Market emphasizes modularity, allowing for adaptability in response to various user needs. The building incorporates flexible spaces that can be easily reconfigured for different uses throughout the day. This adaptability is complemented by a careful site analysis, ensuring optimal interaction with the surrounding natural environment.

Integration with Nature

One of the defining features of the Green Shade Market is its integration with the natural landscape. The design considers the existing vegetation and topography, creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the outdoors. Large openings and the use of transparent materials such as polycarbonate panels allow natural light to penetrate the interior, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Additionally, the market's strategic orientation takes advantage of natural ventilation and shading, enhancing the comfort of occupants while maintaining energy efficiency.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the project, with an emphasis on locally sourced materials to reduce the carbon footprint. The primary materials used include wooden frame structures, plywood, and acrylic sheets. This selection not only ensures structural stability but also contributes to the aesthetic warmth of the market. The use of sustainable materials signals a commitment to environmental responsibility, setting a precedent for future architectural endeavors in similar contexts.

Functional Zoning and Community Engagement

The layout of the market is divided into distinct functional zones that facilitate various community activities. Designated areas for food stalls promote culinary diversity, while leisure spaces encourage socializing and community interaction. Educational areas are incorporated for workshops and demonstrations, fostering a culture of learning and participation. Each zone is designed with user experience in mind, prioritizing accessibility and comfort.

Unique to the Green Shade Market is its emphasis on community involvement in the construction and operational processes. The modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, which can engage local labor and community volunteers in the building process. This feature not only aids in skill development but also strengthens community ties by fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the space.

The Green Shade Market stands as a functional and responsive architectural project that prioritizes sustainability, community engagement, and integration with its surroundings. To gain deeper insights into its architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. This exploration will offer a comprehensive understanding of the innovative approaches that distinguish this market from conventional architectural concepts.

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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

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