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Translucent Polycarbonate Shell Embraces Open Auditorium Design

Authors:
Lap Chi Kwong, Alison Von Glinow
Translucent Polycarbonate Shell Embraces Open Auditorium Design

Project in-detail

The design features a polycarbonate shell that allows natural light to permeate the space while providing a visually open relationship to the scenic Kip Island backdrop, facilitating a versatile auditorium for community performances and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
The auditorium is elevated on columns to maintain an open ground plane.
02
Distinct escalators provide direct access to each auditorium, enhancing visitor flow.
03
The polycarbonate shell allows diffused natural light while connecting to the surroundings.
04
Auditorium 1 features a unique backdrop view of Kip Island for performance experiences.
05
The design integrates outdoor spaces for temporary events and community gatherings.

The Kip Island Auditorium is located along the riverbank, designed to be a central cultural space for the community. The structure takes on an arched vault form, which connects visually to the existing hall while also creating its own distinct presence. It aims to balance functionality with an engaging appearance, resulting in a venue intended to serve various cultural activities.

Design and Structure

The auditorium is raised on a series of columns, which creates a podium that allows visitors easy access. This elevation keeps the ground area open for pedestrian movement and outdoor events. By lifting the building, the design promotes a connection between the space and the natural surroundings. Visitors can appreciate both the architecture and the landscape, enhancing their overall experience.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the auditorium is divided into four levels, each with a specific purpose. Level 1 features a lobby that includes exhibition space and conference rooms for public use. Level 2 provides a café and administration offices, fulfilling practical needs for visitors and staff. Levels 3 and 4 are dedicated to the auditoriums themselves, designed to host a variety of performances.

Vertical Circulation

The design incorporates separate escalators for each auditorium, improving how people move between floors. This approach allows visitors to reach their destination directly, without unnecessary navigation through other areas. Such a solution creates a straightforward path, making it easy for various audiences to access performances comfortably.

Visual Context

Auditorium 1 has a special relationship with the surrounding views of Kip Island. This positioning offers an engaging backdrop, allowing attendees to enjoy the scenery while attending events. The use of a polycarbonate shell helps to let in natural light while retaining a focus on activities inside. The shell also connects the interior experience with the outside environment, engaging those within the auditorium with the beauty around it.

The design provides a thoughtful space that functions well for its intended purpose and creates a sense of place. Visitors can feel part of the location while participating in cultural events within.

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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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