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Undulating Roof Of Sustainable Timber Frames Blending Seamlessly With Natural Stone In A Community Space

Authors:
Mathew Binda, Keegan Maybery
Undulating Roof Of Sustainable Timber Frames Blending Seamlessly With Natural Stone In A Community Space

Project in-detail

The undulating roof of sustainably sourced timber frames harmonizes with local stonework to create an inviting community space that promotes social interaction and environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion incorporates a unique undulating roof that mimics the natural landscape contours.
02
Sustainably sourced cross-laminated timber panels provide both structure and aesthetic warmth.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while creating a visually distinctive façade.
04
The design features an open central space that fosters community engagement and interaction.
05
Natural stone elements seamlessly integrate the structure with its surrounding environment.
The NO-ONES Pavilion is an innovative architectural project located in Knysna, South Africa, designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings while serving as a versatile community space. This pavilion represents a thoughtful approach to contemporary architecture, focusing on inclusivity and environmental responsibility. The design creates a welcoming atmosphere that invites community members to engage, learn, and celebrate together.

Functionally, the pavilion is structured to accommodate various activities such as workshops, gatherings, and events. Its central open space serves as the heart of the project, providing flexibility in seating arrangements and facilitating interaction among users. The layout is carefully designed to enhance the flow of movement, allowing visitors to navigate easily through the space and interact with both the pavilion and the surrounding landscape. Natural light plays a significant role in this environment, processed through large glazed sections that connect the interior with the outdoors, reinforcing the idea of transparency in the architectural design.

A critical aspect of the NO-ONES Pavilion is its materiality, which reflects a commitment to sustainability and local context. The use of sustainably sourced timber showcases the pavilion’s ecological values and adds an element of warmth to the structure. Timber framing supports the innovative architectural forms while maintaining a balance between strength and elegance. Complementing the timber are structural steel elements that provide enhanced durability, allowing for unique design features such as cantilevers and elegant roof lines.

Local stone finishes are incorporated into the design, grounding the pavilion within its landscape and adding texture to the overall aesthetic. This choice of materials not only contributes to the pavilion's visual appeal but also reinforces its connection to the surrounding environment. The unique roof design, characterized by its undulating shapes, not only serves a functional purpose but also acts as a sculptural element that reflects the natural contours of the landscape. This feature is essential in creating an architectural dialogue between built form and nature.

The façade of the NO-ONES Pavilion deserves special attention, particularly its intricate latticework. This design element serves a dual purpose: it enhances the aesthetic qualities of the building while providing effective natural shading and cooling. As plants grow and intertwine with the lattice, they further blend architectural and natural environments, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability and ecological design.

Moreover, the pavilion functions as a cultural hub, facilitating educational programs centered around sustainability and environmental awareness. By providing a space where community members can gather, the NO-ONES Pavilion fosters collaboration and shared experiences, thus contributing to social cohesion within the area.

In summary, the NO-ONES Pavilion exemplifies a contemporary architectural answer to communal and environmental challenges. With its thoughtful integration of materials, innovative design approaches, and emphasis on community interaction, this project stands out as a model for future architectural endeavors. For those interested in exploring this project further, examining the architectural plans, sections, and designs will reveal deeper insights into its construction and conceptual basis. The pavilion invites everyone to witness how thoughtful design can create spaces that resonate with their surroundings while fostering community engagement.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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