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Transparent Glass and Robust Steel Create A Cultural Hub for Artists in Bangkok

Author:
Mary Carole Overholt
Transparent Glass and Robust Steel Create A Cultural Hub for Artists in Bangkok

Project in-detail

Constructed with transparent glass and durable steel, the retreat serves as a dynamic cultural hub, blending private artist studios with communal exhibition spaces to foster creativity and collaboration in the heart of Bangkok.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with extensive use of glass, maximizing natural light throughout the facility.
02
Incorporates durable steel frameworks for structural integrity while maintaining an open design.
03
Features communal exhibition spaces that encourage public interaction with the artists' work.
04
Each artist studio includes personalized amenities tailored to individual creative processes.
05
Landscaped terraces support biodiversity and provide outdoor inspiration spaces for artists.

### Overview
Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the Artist Retreat is designed to serve dual purposes: providing a dedicated space for artists while engaging the local community. The facility accommodates various artistic practices and interactions, positioning itself as a cultural hub that hosts events, exhibitions, and workshops, thereby facilitating creativity and collaboration among artists and the public.

### Architectural Form and Materiality
The design features two distinct towers: the public tower and the residential tower.

- **Public Tower**: This structure is characterized by a flat roof and overhangs that create sheltered areas for public gatherings. Its transparent façade, predominantly made of glass and steel, maximizes natural light and visual connectivity with the vibrant surroundings of Bangkok.

- **Residential Tower**: In contrast, the residential tower offers private studio spaces for artists, designed with a more enclosed feel. The warm and intimate façade combines concrete with metal frames, promoting personal reflection and creativity.

Both towers are unified by rust-colored metal canopies that wrap around and connect their upper levels, enhancing their visibility against the skyline and reinforcing the interaction between public and private spaces.

### Spatial Organization
The retreat's spatial layout is structured across four levels, facilitating a multifunctional environment.

- **Public Areas**: The first two levels of the public tower are designated for shared artistic initiatives, including galleries and exhibition spaces that encourage visitor engagement.

- **Artist Studios**: The upper levels house individual artist studios equipped with necessary amenities for creative work while ensuring privacy and access to communal areas.

Strategically placed stairs and elevators enhance circulation and connectivity, promoting interaction between artists and visitors. The varying heights of the towers contribute to visual interest and contextual alignment with the urban landscape, while integrated landscaped terraces promote biodiversity and provide inspiring outdoor environments for artistic exploration.

This architectural endeavor integrates sustainable practices through efficient use of natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the overall environment for its users.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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