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Beeswax-Infused Tatami Spaces in a Community Sanctuary

Authors:
Marie christine Dimitri, Ersa Llakmani
Beeswax-Infused Tatami Spaces in a Community Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Tatami floors and wooden accents define a series of modular pods arranged around a centralized garden, creating an urban retreat fostering well-being and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Centralized garden encourages meditation and reflection.
02
Pod arrangement creates a beehive-like community structure.
03
Tatami floors enhance the warmth and intimacy of interior spaces.
04
Recyclable materials ensure environmental sustainability.
05
Pitched roofs provide privacy and comfort for each pod.

The Garden Within project offers a fresh take on modular architecture, set within a bustling urban environment. It features prefabricated pods designed to act as serene retreats away from the city's noise and activity. The design concept focuses on enhancing individual well-being while fostering community, creating a space where personal reflection and social connection can coexist.

Centralized Garden
At the heart of the design is a centralized garden that serves as a calming focal point. This garden represents an inner source of peace, inviting users to meditate and find solace. Its presence integrates nature into the urban setting, promoting a sense of tranquility that is often absent in city life.

Modular Configuration
The pods are arranged in a beehive-like formation, which allows them to cater to different user needs. This configuration not only provides individual spaces but also encourages social interactions among users. The design effectively balances personal privacy with communal areas, facilitating a blend of solitude and connection.

Architectural Inspiration
Traditional Japanese design principles inform the overall aesthetic of the interiors. Features include tatami floors and wooden accents that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The structure’s pitched roof adds to the feeling of intimacy, as it encloses each space. This thoughtful approach enhances user comfort, making the environment feel both safe and personal.

Sustainability Strategies
Sustainability is integral to the design, with the use of recyclable and dismantlable materials. This focus helps address environmental issues while allowing the units to adapt for future needs. The commitment to responsible design ensures that the project minimizes its ecological footprint and supports a more sustainable urban lifestyle.

Each pod, shaped like an energy crystal, reflects a calming aesthetic that encourages users to engage with their surroundings. The design fosters moments of stillness, offering a welcome pause amid the fast pace of urban life.

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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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