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Basalt Gables and Peat Roofing Integrate Community Living with Nature

Author:
Simone Boldrin
Basalt Gables and Peat Roofing Integrate Community Living with Nature
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Constructed with basalt gables and peat roofing, the development fosters a deep connection to the surrounding landscape while accommodating communal living in a series of thoughtfully arranged guest rooms.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed around a central courtyard with a hot tub.
02
Incorporates locally sourced basalt for gabled roofs.
03
Features shared amenities within a common service wall.
04
Utilizes geothermal energy for efficient heating.
05
Designed with smaller, private three-sided courtyards.

The Green Wall integrates buildings with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious living environment. Set in an ancient context, the design seeks to balance the needs of inhabitants with the preservation of nature. The layout includes three groups of buildings, identified as A, B, and C, which surround a central community house, labeled D. At the heart of this configuration lies a courtyard with a hot tub, encouraging social interaction while providing private outdoor areas for each guest room.

Spatial Organization

The design focuses on the interactions between public and private spaces. Ground-floor windows and doors allow light to flood in, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The sleeping areas, sheltered beneath pitched roofs, offer views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the residents' connection to nature. Smaller, three-sided courtyards complement the main area, providing additional privacy while still fostering community engagement.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key consideration in the design. Low-temperature heating is integrated into the walls and floors, relying on geothermal energy to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Each group of buildings has its own heating center, and shared facilities like washing machines and dryers are included. This approach not only supports sustainability but also enhances convenience for residents.

Materiality and Aesthetic Cohesion

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to local authenticity. Peat is used for roofing, while natural stone forms the walls, blending the structures into the environment. Local basalt is employed for the gables, contributing to both the durability and visual appeal of the buildings. These materials create a feeling of cohesion with the landscape, reinforcing the homes' connection to their setting.

Service Organization

Service areas are strategically placed within a common wall that links all buildings and courtyards. This design choice keeps necessary functions outside the living spaces, preserving the comfort and integrity of the residences. The green wall acts as a clear boundary, marking the transition between cultivated land and untouched nature. Each element of the project promotes a thoughtful living experience, seamlessly connecting occupants to the environment around them.

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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

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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