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Birch Structures Enhancing Sensory Engagement in Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Juan pablo Badía, Francisco de borja Valdés, Francisca Yunis
Birch Structures Enhancing Sensory Engagement in Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Crafted from local birch, this sensorial space invites visitors to engage with the rich natural landscape through interactive experiences, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of light and sound within its design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Local birch is the primary material, exemplifying sustainability in design.
02
The building incorporates a sensorial box for interactive experiences with nature.
03
Sunlight movement is meticulously considered to enhance user engagement throughout the day.
04
Architectural structure features integrated elements that pay homage to the surrounding birch trees.
05
Design emphasizes a multisensory approach, inviting exploration of sound, light, and scent.

Shadows of Kemeri is located in the Kemeri landscape and is designed to create a sensory experience that goes beyond simple visual appeal. The main focus is on connecting people with the atmosphere of the area. By engaging multiple senses, the design seeks to highlight the subtle details that might otherwise go unnoticed. The goal is to integrate sound, smell, and touch into the experience, allowing visitors to connect with the environment more fully.

Sensory Engagement

At the core of the design is a sensorial box that captures various elements of the landscape. This allows visitors to engage in a rich exploration of the surroundings. The aim is to encourage interaction with the environment, moving away from a reliance on sight alone. Shadows of Kemeri promotes the idea that architecture can help people experience the unique characteristics of a place, ensuring that everyone has access to these sensory interactions.

Sunlight Movement

An important feature of the design is the consideration of sunlight throughout the day. Particular attention is given to how light changes at different times, such as 09:00, 16:00, 19:00, and 21:00. Each time offers a distinct atmosphere that can enhance the experience within the space. This awareness of light not only enriches the environment but also links the structure closely to its natural setting.

Materiality and Structure

The design incorporates local birch trees as key structural elements. Components such as the cover birch tree, structural system of birch tree, pallet of birch tree, circulation of birch tree, and pillars and diagonals of birch tree are highlighted. Using birch wood shows a commitment to sustainability and reflects local character. It creates a direct connection between the built environment and the natural landscape.

The design allows natural light to filter through while maintaining a balance with the birch trees. This thoughtful use of materials and structural elements results in an architecture that respects its environment and encourages exploration of the sensory qualities within the landscape.

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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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