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Weathered Steel And Natural Light Create A Biophilic Community Space With Adaptive Reuse Elements

Author:
Julia Helena Sordyl
Weathered Steel And Natural Light Create A Biophilic Community Space With Adaptive Reuse Elements

Project in-detail

With a façade of weathered steel and expansive glazing that invites natural light, this community space embodies adaptive reuse principles while seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor environments to foster social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building utilizes weathered steel for a durable, low-maintenance façade that integrates with its natural surroundings.
02
Expansive glazing promotes thermal efficiency while maximizing natural light and views of the landscape.
03
An innovative bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity and creates distinctive interior spaces.
04
Adaptive reuse principles are applied, allowing the structure to serve multiple functions and community needs.
05
Incorporation of green roofs fosters biodiversity and enhances the building's environmental sustainability.
This architectural project presents a thoughtful and well-integrated design that harmoniously responds to its environment while serving its intended functions. The project exemplifies an exploration of space and form, reflecting the vision of its creators through careful consideration of both aesthetic and functional elements.

At its core, the design represents a synthesis of contemporary architectural principles and local architectural vernacular. The building is designed to facilitate its primary functions effectively, providing a space that is not only practical but also inviting. This dual purpose is achieved through a balanced layout, which enables the seamless flow of movement within the space while also allowing for social interaction among users.

Materials play a crucial role in the architectural design, with a careful selection that not only ensures durability but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal. The project employs high-quality materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, and weathered steel. These provide both structural integrity and visual interest, with the concrete giving a sense of solidity, while the glass facilitates transparency and connection with the exterior environment. Weathered steel adds a layer of texture and a unique patina that blends the structure cohesively into its surroundings, enhancing its relationship with the natural landscape.

The unique design approaches taken in this project stem from its emphasis on context and environment. The building is oriented to maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption, thus promoting sustainability. Large, strategically placed windows allow for ample daylight, while shaded overhangs help minimize glare and heat during peak sunlight hours. This thoughtful integration of passive design principles is crucial in creating a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient building.

The architectural design also incorporates biophilic elements that resonate with users' innate desire to connect with nature. This is reflected in the incorporation of green spaces, both on the building’s exterior and within its arrangement. The design incorporates landscaping that encourages biodiversity, thus contributing to the local ecosystem. This focus on nature not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the space but also promotes well-being among its occupants.

In terms of layout, the project consists of multifunctional spaces that can adapt to various uses. This flexibility is particularly significant as it allows the space to evolve over time, accommodating changing user needs without requiring extensive renovations. Each area is designed with attention to how it will be utilized, ensuring that it addresses practical concerns while remaining visually cohesive with the overall design. The arrangement of spaces promotes interaction, inviting collaboration and community engagement both within the building and the surrounding environment.

Additionally, the project features distinct architectural details that lend character to the overall design. These include textured wall treatments, innovative lighting fixtures, and custom furniture designed to enhance function and user experience. Each detail has been crafted to ensure consistency with the overall architectural narrative, emphasizing the project's commitment to quality and coherence.

This architectural project embraces the potential of design to create spaces that resonate deeply with their environment and the people who inhabit them. It stands out not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its thoughtful approach to sustainability and user engagement. To gain a deeper understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that unveil its intricacies and celebrate the architectural ideas behind its creation.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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