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Biophilic Design Using Thermal Bricks and Natural Light for Community Support Spaces

Authors:
Frederico Zaniol, Marco Sacchi, Marko Blažić, Davide Varetto
Biophilic Design Using Thermal Bricks and Natural Light for Community Support Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing thermal bricks and abundant natural light, the design fosters a biophilic connection with the landscape, creating welcoming community support spaces that enhance emotional wellness and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates thermal bricks for enhanced insulation and energy efficiency.
02
Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize natural light and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features modular spaces that adapt to varying community needs over time.
04
Utilizes integrated photovoltaic panels for sustainable energy generation.
05
Emphasizes biophilic design principles to strengthen connection with nature.

## Overview
The Oxygen Home, located within a landscaped park, is designed as a center for psychological support and community engagement. This architectural initiative emphasizes environmental sustainability and adaptability while fostering a balance between social interaction and personal privacy. The intent is to offer both communal and reflective spaces that cater to the emotional well-being of its users.

### Spatial Organization
The interior layout encourages social connectivity through strategically placed communal areas, while also providing private zones that facilitate individual reflection. Open patios and private meeting rooms are integral to the design, addressing the diverse needs of community members. This arrangement is enhanced by carefully planned pathways that optimize movement flow throughout the building, ensuring a functional and accessible environment for all users.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials is essential to the project’s sustainability and functionality. Key materials include expanded polystyrene for effective insulation, polypropylene waterproof membranes to prevent moisture intrusion, and high thermal resistant bricks for durability and insulation. Double glazed windows improve energy efficiency and natural light, while operable windows allow for natural ventilation. The incorporation of heat pumps and integrated photovoltaic panels reflects a commitment to reducing energy consumption and promoting renewable energy sources. These selections not only support environmental goals but also enhance the overall aesthetic and comfort of the building.

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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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