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Visitor Center Emphasizing Advanced Passive Cooling with a Canopy-Like Roof and Steel Tension Cables

Authors:
Andreas anton Amodio, Mario Beeli, Giulia giovanna Furlan
Visitor Center Emphasizing Advanced Passive Cooling with a Canopy-Like Roof and Steel Tension Cables

Project in-detail

Nestled in a challenging desert environment, this visitor center features a canopy-like roof that harnesses natural light and incorporates steel tension cables, showcasing a thoughtful balance of form and function through advanced passive cooling strategies and sustainable materials.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The visitor center's bent A-frame design optimizes airflow and natural light, enhancing energy efficiency in a desert climate.
02
Steel tension cables support the unique roof structure, allowing for expansive overhangs that provide shade and reduce heat gain.
03
The use of cross-laminated timber panels not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to the building's acoustic comfort.
04
Charred wooden shingles are integrated into the facade, offering not only aesthetic appeal but also improved fire resistance.
05
The interior layout is designed with movable partitions, enabling flexibility for various community events and educational programs.
The architectural project presents a thoughtful integration of form and function, designed to serve as a visitor center within a remote, arid landscape. This design represents a commitment to sustainability, fostering a strong connection to its environment while addressing the needs of its visitors. The structure’s primary function is to provide an engaging space for information dissemination and community interaction, embodying a holistic approach that blends architectural innovation with ecological sensitivity.

In examining the project's details, the layout is characterized by an elongated, trapezoidal footprint that allows the building to maximize its use of the site while creating a landmark appearance. The building features a unique roof design that plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and energy efficiency. The geometry of the roof enables the manipulation of natural light and shadows, which contributes to a comfortable interior environment while minimizing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

The material palette has been carefully selected to define the project’s character. Predominantly featuring glass, which fosters transparency and a connection with the surroundings, the building also employs reinforced concrete for structural integrity. Aluminum panels serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, reflecting sunlight and contributing to thermal regulation. Steel ropes incorporated into the structural design add an element of modernity while maintaining a lightweight appearance, enhancing the overall visual experience of the project.

Internally, the layout prioritizes flexibility and usability, with spaces arranged to promote interaction. Visitor areas are designed to facilitate engagement, ensuring that individuals can connect with the information and exhibits presented. Conference rooms are strategically located for functionality, benefiting from ample natural light and ventilation, which aids in creating a pleasant environment for discussions and presentations. Technical spaces are integrated to support the center's operations whilst remaining unobtrusive, contributing to the overall seamless experience.

This project employs unique design approaches that set it apart from conventional visitor centers. The emphasis on passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and optimal orientation, reflects a thoughtful consideration of the local climate conditions. These strategies enhance the thermal comfort within the building, catering to users while reducing energy consumption. The roof’s design serves not only as a visual focal point but also as a crucial element in controlling the internal climate, fostering a sustainable approach to architecture.

Throughout the project, there is a clear intent to create an environment that respects and reflects the surrounding landscape. The building's forms and materials resonate with the natural characteristics of the area, enabling it to harmoniously coexist with its setting. This sensitivity to site context is a hallmark of the design, demonstrating an understanding of how architecture can contribute to and enhance site identity.

As you explore the project presentation, you'll find valuable insights into architectural plans, sections, and design strategies that further illustrate the project's commitment to innovative, sustainable architecture. Engaging with these details offers a deeper appreciation of the architectural ideas that inform this project and how they manifest in the built environment.
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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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