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Translucent Polycarbonate Shelter With Integrated Wooden Slats Supporting Community Engagement

Authors:
Laura Paz, Mateo Boasso
Translucent Polycarbonate Shelter With Integrated Wooden Slats Supporting Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with wooden slats and a translucent envelope, the shelter maximizes natural light and fosters community interactions, providing a functional space for travelers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular framework to enhance flexibility and ease of assembly.
02
Utilizes a translucent envelope that maximizes natural lighting while maintaining energy efficiency.
03
Incorporates wooden slats that contribute to both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features a layout that encourages continuous interaction with the surrounding landscape.
05
Designed to be energy self-sufficient through integrated solar panel systems.

The design presents a modular solution located in a natural setting, focused on providing a functional space for travelers. It serves as both shelter and communal area, allowing for various activities while reducing the need for external elements that can interfere with comfort. The concept emphasizes sustainable practices and efficient use of space, creating a strong relationship between the interior and exterior environments.

Natural Light and Energy Efficiency

The design features wooden slats and a translucent envelope that enhance the entry of natural light into the interior. This arrangement helps the structure utilize energy from solar panels by allowing light to fill the space during the day. The ability to store this energy for night use underscores the building's energy efficiency. The focus on natural lighting not only fulfills practical needs but also improves the overall experience for those who use the space.

Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The layout maintains a direct connection with the surrounding landscape, positioning functional areas parallel to the building's envelopes. This design choice allows for a continuous flow of air, light, and sound. It also encourages people to come together, creating a welcoming area for sharing experiences and stories. The organization of spaces enhances interaction, supporting a sense of community among travelers who find themselves in this unique place.

Material Selection

Wood and polycarbonate are the materials chosen for their environmental benefits and usability. Wood contributes to thermal comfort, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere inside the structure. Polycarbonate, by allowing natural light to fill the building while maintaining energy efficiency, plays a vital role in the overall design. The careful selection of these materials shows a commitment to sustainability while keeping the design functional and effective.

The modular design allows for flexibility and straightforward construction. This thoughtful blending of materials, light, and spaces culminates in a structure that encourages connections among users while respecting the natural surroundings. A careful design detail, such as the way light filters through the slats, adds depth to the experience, enhancing the overall quality of the environment.

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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
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