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Triangular Form and Automated Glazing in a Sustainable Community Library

Author:
Alejandro Reyes
Triangular Form and Automated Glazing in a Sustainable Community Library

Project in-detail

Characterized by its triangular form and extensive use of automated glazing, the design creates a seamless connection with its natural surroundings while serving as a multifunctional library that fosters community engagement and learning.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's triangular form maximizes natural light while minimizing energy consumption.
02
Automated louvers adjust to environmental conditions for enhanced user comfort.
03
The use of corrugated concrete creates a durable and textural façade.
04
Designed as a community hub, the spaces promote interactive learning and engagement.
05
Strategic landscaping integrates the building into the surrounding natural environment.

### Overview

Located in the Washington Avenue neighborhood of Houston, Texas, approximately three kilometers from downtown, the Houston Exploration Center is designed as a multifunctional public library that integrates immersive environments with educational technology. Situated adjacent to the Buffalo Bayou, the building reflects its urban context while enhancing community engagement through creative and exploratory learning experiences.

### Spatial Integration and User Accessibility

The strategic location of the Houston Exploration Center fosters connectivity with surrounding neighborhoods, facilitated by existing footbridges. The design embraces the natural topography of the site, incorporating the slope near the Buffalo Bayou as a functional component that encourages visitor movement. Internally, the building consists of varying levels dedicated to specific functions: the first level houses the lobby, administration, café, and exhibition space; the second features an auditorium and conference room; and the third includes the Children’s Library and main library areas.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural approach emphasizes the use of varied materials to create a cohesive yet dynamic experience. Concrete, primarily employed for the lower levels, contributes to structural stability and textural contrast. Steel is utilized in the upper structures, supporting unique roof configurations, while extensive glazing allows ample natural light and frames views of the surrounding landscape. Sustainable features, such as automated louvers that adjust to environmental conditions, enhance energy efficiency and user comfort. The design also includes wood in areas like the Children’s Library to establish a warm and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting a conscious effort to harmonize with the community’s needs and ecological awareness.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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