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Translucent Roof and Repurposed Metal Sheet Define a Community Museum

Author:
Esteban Sepúlveda
Translucent Roof and Repurposed Metal Sheet Define a Community Museum
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A translucent roof combined with repurposed metal sheets transforms a former school into a functional museum, enhancing community engagement while preserving historical elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent roof evenly diffuses natural light throughout the interior.
02
Repurposed metal sheets create a visual link between old and new.
03
Flexible space design accommodates various exhibitions and community events.
04
Temporary screens allow for easy division of areas based on needs.
05
Grass hills serve as audience spaces while integrating with the landscape.

The design centers around the conversion of a former school into a museum, located in a place rich in history and community ties. Aiming to incorporate sustainability and engagement, the approach reinterprets the original structure while respecting its past. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing the museum to cater to various functions and attract a diverse audience.

TRANSFORMATION OF SPACE

The project begins with a complete removal of the interior, allowing materials to be repurposed throughout the new museum. This decision not only minimizes waste but also honors the building's history, integrating aspects of its past into its new role. New access points are created in the existing walls, forming a main entrance and a service entrance that improve circulation and connection within the museum.

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

A key feature of the design is the translucent roof. It lets in natural light during the day, creating a bright atmosphere and, at night, it shines like a glowing beacon. This feature enhances the invitation of the museum while also making it highly visible in the community. Complementing this is a metal sheet taken from the old roof. This adds a modern touch while serving to connect the historical context with contemporary design.

FLEXIBILITY AND USABILITY

A wood structure is used to support the original walls and the new roof, providing a spacious interior with high ceilings. This design allows for many different layouts to accommodate exhibitions and community events. The use of temporary screens enables the space to be adjusted for various activities, further enhancing its functional capacity.

OUTDOOR ENHANCEMENTS

Future plans include creating outdoor areas for performances and exhibitions, as well as grassy hills that will serve as audience spaces and program areas. These landscape features aim to connect the museum with the natural surroundings and create opportunities for interaction between indoor and outdoor activities. This focus on blending various elements reflects a commitment to community involvement and appreciation of the environment.

Every detail in the design aims to balance the historical aspects of the original school with the practical needs of a modern museum, creating a space that supports both cultural exchange and community engagement.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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