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Wooden Slat Facade with Panoramic Terrace for Community Engagement

Author:
Edoardo Gazzareni
Wooden Slat Facade with Panoramic Terrace for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A vertical barn with a wooden slat facade and an external promenade offers flexible spaces for community gatherings while integrating seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a spiraling ramp that enhances accessibility for all visitors.
02
The tower stands 22 meters tall, creating a prominent landmark within the nature reserve.
03
Glass parapets provide unobstructed views, fostering a strong connection with the landscape.
04
The building’s layout allows for flexible interior spaces that accommodate various community activities.
05
Vertical wooden slats on the facade contribute to a distinct natural aesthetic and thermal performance.

The design presents a vertical barn located within a nature reserve, rethinking the approach to traditional agricultural buildings. The project aims to enhance both the function and appearance of the barn while integrating it with the surrounding landscape. Visitors can expect a space that invites interaction with nature and promotes a sense of community.

Structural Framework

The concept begins with a thorough analysis of the barn, keeping its core identity while innovating its design. A thin metal grid creates an external framework around a simple internal volume. This minimizes the load on the structure, allowing for open interior spaces. The approach encourages harmony with the environment and flexibility in usage.

Ramp and Accessibility

A key feature is the architectural promenade, which spirals around the tower. This ramp serves as both a pathway and a way to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. It is designed for everyone, making the space accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. The ramp also adds an element of exploration, encouraging people to move through the building.

Design and Layout

Positioned between the driveway and existing farm structures, the tower stands out as a landmark within the area. It reaches a height of 22 meters and consists of five levels supported by reinforcing beams. The use of glass for the parapet allows for maximum visibility, promoting a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The layout on the ground and first floors is open, enabling air circulation and creating a comfortable environment.

Functional Spaces

The interior boasts versatile areas suitable for various activities. The second floor can host events and gatherings, while the upper floors provide relaxed lounge areas for socializing. At the top, a panoramic terrace presents expansive views of the horses and the nature reserve. Glass doors enhance the feeling of openness, and built-in climate control ensures comfort year-round.

The structure relies on square tubular steel and diagonal bracing for stability, while vertical wooden slats on the exterior add a natural quality. This choice of materials connects the building with the landscape, promoting a sense of warmth and belonging. As light shifts throughout the day, it casts patterns across the space, enriching the experience for visitors.

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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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