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Basalt Walls and Glass Facades Shaping Community Resilience

Author:
Izabela Olszewska
Basalt Walls and Glass Facades Shaping Community Resilience

Project in-detail

The robust basalt walls provide a striking contrast to the transparency of the glass facades, creating a resilient community space that harmonizes with the natural landscape while addressing environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Basalt stone walls provide structural resilience and distinct texture.
02
A fully glazed curtain wall enhances natural light and visual connection with the landscape.
03
Rounded southern corners streamline wind flow around the building.
04
Custom-made glass bricks symbolize the blend of modern and traditional elements.
05
The design prioritizes integration with the surrounding environment to promote harmony.

The design integrates harmoniously with its natural environment while responding to both functional needs and aesthetic aspirations. Located in a region subject to strong winds, the structure has been crafted to serve as a protective space while also addressing environmental challenges. The concept focuses on the interaction between solid walls and transparent facades, creating a relationship between traditional and contemporary styles that reflects the local context.

Form and Function

The shape of the building is carefully designed to manage wind pressures. The northern side features a natural slope, while the rounded corners on the southern facade facilitate smooth airflow around the structure. This thoughtful design ensures that the building not only functions effectively but also enhances user experience within its communal space.

Materiality

Durability is a key element in this design, with thick walls constructed from basalt stone. These walls are cut into blocks and smoothed to provide both stability and a connection to the landscape. The choice of basalt reinforces the structure’s strength, while its texture contributes to the building's character, anchoring it within its setting.

Transparency and Light

The contrast between the solid walls and the main open area creates a unique visual experience. This space is enclosed by a fully glazed curtain wall made with vertical, custom-made glass bricks. Such a design allows for an abundance of natural light to fill the interior. The glass elements connect the inside with the outside, reflecting a blend of modern and traditional influences that enrich the architectural narrative.

Integration with Landscape

The overall design considers its surroundings, ensuring that the building does not dominate the landscape. Instead, it provides a clear visual statement while respecting the environment. This thoughtful integration results in a dynamic interplay of different textures and forms, celebrating the relationship between the structure and its natural context. The combination of materials and design outcomes invites a dialogue, leading to a sense of place that resonates with both inhabitants and 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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