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Translucent Polycarbonate Panels and Green Roofs Redefine Educational Spaces in Sloped Terrain

Author:
Siyu Mao
Translucent Polycarbonate Panels and Green Roofs Redefine Educational Spaces in Sloped Terrain

Project in-detail

Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural light while green roofs integrate the building with the sloped landscape, creating a versatile educational environment focused on community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural daylight while providing thermal efficiency.
02
Green roofs integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape, promoting biodiversity.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for unique spatial configurations within the building.
04
Open circulation paths connect various educational zones, fostering collaboration.
05
The exterior utilizes textured concrete to reflect the region's geological features.
The Hill is an architectural project designed as an International Center for College, showcasing a contemporary approach to educational environments. Located on a sloped site, the design embraces the natural topography, creating a building that interacts harmoniously with its surroundings. The architecture emphasizes open spaces, community engagement, and flexibility in use, serving as a versatile hub for learning and collaboration.

The project represents a shift in educational architecture, moving away from traditional rigid structures to more fluid and responsive designs. It aims to facilitate social interactions among users while providing an environment that supports various academic activities. The configuration includes multiple levels that allow for different degrees of privacy and interaction, aligning with contemporary educational methodologies that favor collaborative learning.

Unique Design Approaches

The Hill features an adaptive roof design that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The variegated roof pitch not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also maximizes natural light within the internal spaces. This approach reduces reliance on artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency. The exterior is composed of glass reinforced concrete, creating a textured surface that complements the natural environment. Additionally, translucent polycarbonate panels are strategically placed to allow filtered daylight, further enhancing the interior ambiance.

Another notable aspect is the incorporation of green roofs and landscaped terraces that foster ecological sustainability. The building design promotes biodiversity while providing outdoor areas for students to gather and engage with nature. Interior spaces are configured with flexibility in mind, allowing for various arrangements to accommodate different activities. This characteristic makes the project suitable for community events, lectures, and informal gatherings.

Interactive Spaces and Community Focus

The layout of The Hill emphasizes community-focused spaces with a series of plazas and gathering areas that encourage social interaction among students and faculty. The design promotes a sense of belonging, integrating indoor and outdoor experiences to create a cohesive environment for learning.

The circulation pathways are thoughtfully designed, allowing smooth transitions between different zones of the building. Various entrances facilitate easy access while enhancing visibility and connectivity within the site. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces, along with the integration of natural elements, articulates a responsive design ethos that meets the needs of a modern educational institution.

Explore the project presentation to delve deeper into the architectural plans, aerial and interior views, and detailed architectural sections that illustrate the innovative design concepts and thoughtful strategies employed in The Hill. Understanding these elements will provide further clarity on the key architectural ideas that define this project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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