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Breathing Space Crafted From Ash Timber With Copper Accents

Author:
William Maddinson
Breathing Space Crafted From Ash Timber With Copper Accents

Project in-detail

Crafted with ash timber and accented by copper, the design fosters a dialogue between its breathing spaces and the surrounding landscape, creating a multifunctional environment dedicated to wellness and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with ash timber, enhancing sustainability and aesthetics.
02
Operable windows integrate indoor and outdoor environments, improving ventilation.
03
Used water is directed to reed beds, benefiting local ecology.
04
Rainwater is harvested for reuse, supporting efficient resource management.
05
Yoga room design promotes seasonal adaptation and natural light accessibility.

The design emphasizes the connection between nature and human experience, rooted in the principles of Pranayama and ancient Puranas. Set in a context that encourages environmental awareness, the building serves both utilitarian and contemplative purposes. It aims to create a living environment that breathes alongside its occupants. The integration of five key elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—underpins the architectural approach, prioritizing the act of breathing in its various forms.

Ecological Water Management

An innovative water management system captures used water from bathing and directs it into reed beds, supporting local ecosystems and nearby plant life. The roof effectively captures rainwater, channeling it through gutters into storage tanks for reuse. This aspect of the design underscores a commitment to sustainability and resource conservation, ensuring that the building maintains a reciprocal relationship with its surroundings.

Adaptive Spaces

Interior areas are arranged to facilitate functionality and privacy. Bathing spaces are separated by sliding doors and walls, allowing for individual use without disrupting others. The design creates a balance between fire, symbolized by warmth and light, and water, indicative of utility. This interplay results in atmospheres that engage the senses, providing warmth and steam in restful areas.

Integration of Natural Elements

The yoga room plays a significant role in the overall concept, encouraging an ongoing connection between the space and the natural environment. With operable windows that open to the landscape, this room brings in natural light and fresh air, adapting to changing seasons. Temperature control is possible through adjustable panels, while evaporative cooling enhances comfort. Such features ensure that the space remains both functional and supportive of personal well-being.

Material Selection

Materials utilized in the design include copper for the roof and gutters, a choice that balances durability with visual appeal. Ash timber appears in secondary structural elements, while cork is used in the primary structure for insulation. These selections reflect a focus on sustainable materials that improve the overall performance and comfort of the spaces.

The interaction of light and shadow enhances the building's features, while the textures of ash timber and cork invite physical engagement. Through these details, the design highlights a commitment to creating environments that are not only visually interesting but also enjoyable to inhabit.

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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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