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Biodiverse Garden Enclosed with Wooden Slats and Reeds

Authors:
Gabriel-andrei Alexoiu, Bianca-maria Paun, Cristiana-alexandra Comanici
Biodiverse Garden Enclosed with Wooden Slats and Reeds
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A wooden slatted fence encloses a biodiverse garden that captures zenithal light through strategically placed windows, creating private and communal spaces for contemporary living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The courtyard features a wooden slatted fence that promotes biodiversity.
02
Zenithal light windows enhance natural lighting in the workshop area.
03
Private spaces are strategically oriented to maximize southern sunlight.
04
The garden design incorporates local flora to support the ecosystem.
05
The entrance includes a fountain, creating an inviting transition into the home.

The design revolves around a central courtyard, creating a space that serves both personal and community needs. It is situated in a peaceful setting that encourages quiet moments as well as social interactions. The overall layout fosters a close connection between the living spaces and nature, illustrating a modern approach to comfortable living. Residents can enjoy both the privacy of their own areas and the communal benefits that come from shared spaces.

Design Concept

The courtyard is the heart of the layout, promoting movement and interaction among the various zones in the residence. It acts as an inviting garden that draws people in while offering shelter from the wind. The wooden slat fence enhances this protected environment, contributing to a lively ecosystem within the garden that supports local plants and wildlife.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces is carefully planned to align with cardinal directions, maximizing light and comfort. Private areas, oriented to the south, benefit from direct sunlight throughout the day. In contrast, common spaces face west, taking advantage of the wind protection offered by the fencing. The workshop area is designed with windows that face the lake and inner garden, allowing natural light to fill the room. This thoughtful layout creates an inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

Materiality and Sustainability

The design incorporates materials that emphasize sustainability. Wooden slates are used for the fence, defining the courtyard while assisting local biodiversity. The roof is constructed with reeds, providing insulation to keep the home comfortable without harming the environment. This focus on eco-friendly materials aligns with current architectural trends that prioritize responsible building practices.

Architectural Journey

The experience of moving through the space begins at a fountain located at the main entrance, guiding visitors to the entrance hall. This area connects private living quarters with shared spaces, offering a fluid transition between the two. Well-placed corridors and the interior garden reveal different viewpoints, encouraging exploration and engagement with both the building and its surroundings. Each detail, from the carefully planned pathways to the inviting outdoor spaces, contributes to a sense of community grounded in nature.

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competition now

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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