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Water-Inspired Community Hub Featuring Parametric Façades and Sustainable Timber Construction

Authors:
Parminder Bal, Lady moira l Barcenilla
Water-Inspired Community Hub Featuring Parametric Façades and Sustainable Timber Construction

Project in-detail

The parametric façades crafted from sustainable timber and inspired by water movement create a unique visual identity for a community hub designed to foster social interaction and enhance the living experience for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Parametric façades create dynamic visual effects influenced by the movement of water.
02
Sustainable timber construction employs cross-laminated panels for structural integrity and efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinctive aesthetic texture.
04
Integrated courtyards promote natural light and ventilation throughout communal spaces.
05
The design incorporates green roofs to support biodiversity and improve environmental performance.

## Architectural Design Report: Coventry Baths Retirement Village

### Location and Intent
Coventry Baths Retirement Village is situated in Coventry, UK, on the historic site of the Coventry Sports Baths. The design aims to serve as both a retirement living facility and a community hub, emphasizing social interaction and sustainable practices within a welcoming environment. The project integrates contemporary architectural principles with considerations for functionality and aesthetics, creating a vibrant space that accommodates diverse lifestyles.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement
The layout of the retirement village effectively combines constructed areas with landscaped elements to enhance social interaction. Key features include a well-defined main entrance from Cope Street and a public realm that comprises food-growing gardens, landscaped areas, and open activity spaces. The facility offers an array of amenities, such as a kitchen and restaurant, café, children’s play area, and multi-use activity spaces. Residential units are designed to cater to various family sizes, promoting a balance between privacy and community accessibility.

### Material Selection and Architectural Elements
The project utilizes a carefully considered selection of materials that reflect its design philosophy. Sustainable timber is employed extensively to provide warmth and connect the development to its natural surroundings. South-facing glazing maximizes natural light and energy efficiency, while concrete and brick offer structural durability and align with local architectural traditions. Features such as an undulating façade evoke the site's historical significance, while internal courtyards and a full-height atrium enhance natural light and communal spaces. The incorporation of green infrastructure, including roof gardens and living walls, supports biodiversity and contributes to the ecological sustainability of the development.

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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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