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Transparent Facade With Oak Accents Creates A Dynamic Community Information Hub

Authors:
Allegra Albani, Raffaele Ferrandino
Transparent Facade With Oak Accents Creates A Dynamic Community Information Hub

Project in-detail

A tiered structure with a transparent polycarbonate facade and warm oak elements serves as a multifunctional hub, facilitating community interactions while providing essential local information.
5 key facts about this project
01
A transparent polycarbonate facade enhances natural lighting while providing visibility to the surrounding environment.
02
Tiered seating encourages social interaction and allows for flexible use of the space.
03
Local oak elements integrate the structure with its environment, emphasizing sustainability.
04
Modular design enables easy relocation and adaptability to changing community needs.
05
Neon signage serves as both a functional guide and a distinctive visual landmark.

## Overview
The StairKiosk is situated in an urban context where fostering user interaction is a primary objective. Designed as a multi-functional information hub, it aims to promote communal engagement among travelers and local residents. The project employs a modular approach, allowing for diverse activities throughout the day and across varying weather conditions.

## Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The design facilitates both intimate and social experiences by incorporating tiered levels that encourage users to explore the surrounding area. The transparent polycarbonate walls promote openness and allow natural light to permeate the space. Additionally, the prominent "INFO POINT" sign serves as both a navigational aid and a visual landmark within the area, enhancing the site's identity. The inclusion of plants and seating areas supports lingering and interaction, creating an environment conducive to both passive and active engagement.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
A thoughtful choice of materials emphasizes functionality and aesthetic considerations. The use of polycarbonate sheets provides durability while maintaining transparency, enhancing visibility, and lightness. Local oak is utilized for the structural components and flooring, ensuring both stability and sustainability. The brass handrails contribute safety and elegance, while neon signage offers visibility from afar. The modular design permits disassembly and relocation, thus minimizing waste and adapting to the evolving urban landscape. This approach highlights the importance of sustainable practices in modern architectural design.

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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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