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Water Features and Natural Stone Highlight Community Engagement in Flexible Gathering Space

Authors:
Seung Bin Jeon, Tae Sun Kim, Ki Hyun Sung
Water Features and Natural Stone Highlight Community Engagement in Flexible Gathering Space

Project in-detail

The integration of cascading water features and versatile natural stone surfaces creates a dynamic environment that fosters community interaction within a multi-functional gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cascading water features that enhance both aesthetics and climate control.
02
Natural stone materials are utilized throughout, providing durability and a connection to the landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and allows for flexible layouts.
05
Integrated green areas support biodiversity and enhance the ecological footprint of the building.

### Project Overview

Located in a vibrant plaza, the Plaza Galeria is designed as a focal point for urban activities, integrating social, cultural, and recreational functions. It aims to foster community interaction and engagement through a multi-functional hub that includes an auditorium, café, gallery spaces, and green areas.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The architectural layout reflects a modern interpretation of classical Roman public spaces, emphasizing transparency and fluidity. Open spaces with large openings facilitate natural light and visual connections to the surroundings. The design includes a central atrium featuring water elements, such as cascading waterfalls and reflective pools, which contribute to both aesthetic appeal and thermal regulation. These features enhance the user experience by creating a soothing ambiance and promoting a sense of tranquility.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection focuses on durability and visual cohesion. Structural elements utilize cast-in-place concrete for strength, while natural stone flooring—potentially limestone or travertine—provides thermal mass and a timeless quality. Glass is extensively integrated to ensure transparency between interior and exterior spaces, while steel frameworks offer contemporary aesthetics. Wood adds warmth and texture, creating a balanced environment. Additionally, the project incorporates greenery throughout its design, promoting a biophilic approach that addresses environmental sustainability and harmonizes architecture with nature. Water features serve not only as visual focal points but also as part of the building's climate-control system, showcasing innovative design solutions that reflect ancient practices.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
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