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Biodiversity-Focused Living with Natural Wood and Seasonal Façade

Authors:
Ali Lavasani, Fateme Azizzadeh, Mahdi Fard
Biodiversity-Focused Living with Natural Wood and Seasonal Façade

Project in-detail

Constructed with an adaptable façade that responds to seasonal changes and designed to incorporate local wildlife habitats, the community living space emphasizes both socialization and personal retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Seasonal adaptability is integrated into the façade design, providing changing visual experiences throughout the year.
02
The structure incorporates habitats for local wildlife, addressing ecological sensitivity.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
04
Social and semi-private spaces are strategically arranged to encourage community interaction.
05
Natural wood finishes contribute to an intimate interior atmosphere, fostering comfort.

The architectural design project focuses on creating a community-oriented living environment that emphasizes both social interaction and private space. Located in a thoughtfully chosen area, the design features a clear organization of spaces that allows for both communal activities and individual retreats. The overall concept revolves around integrating public, private, and workshop zones, ensuring that each section serves its purpose effectively while remaining connected.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY FOCUS

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, which utilizes natural energy sources for essential needs like water, electricity, and gas. This approach reduces the environmental impact and enhances the overall experience of living in the space. The flexibility of the façade is an important feature, allowing the building to adapt to seasonal changes and provide a varied visual experience throughout the year.

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS

The layout of the design places importance on balancing private and communal spaces. There are specific areas designated for social interaction and semi-private zones where residents can find peace and solitude. This arrangement encourages socialization among families while still allowing for personal retreat. By designing spaces that promote connections, the environment fosters a strong sense of community.

THOUGHTFUL MATERIAL CHOICES

Wood is a central material used throughout the design, contributing to a warm and inviting interior. This choice aligns with the goals of sustainability and a minimal environmental footprint. In addition, the structural elements support both human needs and biodiversity. Features that provide habitats for local wildlife, such as space for bats, demonstrate an awareness of ecological responsibility.

The design integrates various elements that prioritize community connections and sustainability, creating a living space suitable for modern needs. The façade’s ability to adjust offers changing perspectives for residents, fostering a deeper relationship with the surroundings across different seasons.

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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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