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Capturing Nature with Teflon and Cork Insulation in a Sustainable Living Space

Authors:
Lorenzo Bagagli, Federico Ghezzi, Gianluca Rosa
Capturing Nature with Teflon and Cork Insulation in a Sustainable Living Space

Project in-detail

With Teflon sheets protecting its form and cork insulation enhancing energy efficiency, the design creates a harmonious living environment that connects residents to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for sustainable resource management.
02
Utilizes translucent walls to enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Features a modular, lightweight construction for easy assembly in remote areas.
04
Employs Teflon sheets for weather protection and durability.
05
Integrates local materials like cork for insulation, minimizing environmental impact.

Vale de Moses is an architectural endeavor situated in a tranquil landscape that promotes the idea of reconnecting with nature. It addresses the fast-paced nature of modern city life by providing a space where people can unwind and reflect. The design highlights sustainability and centers around the needs of the inhabitants, creating an environment that encourages both comfort and interaction with the natural surroundings.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes merging living spaces with the environment. The architects created four blocks of buildings that are thoughtfully arranged to enhance connection with nature. This layout allows for open spaces filled with light and offers clear views of the landscape. The goal is to create a sense of openness that invites residents to experience outdoor life in a more intimate way.

Transparency and Light

A key feature of the design is the use of clear glass and large openings to create a flow between indoors and outdoors. The glazed corners of the buildings present wide views, helping to extend the feeling of space beyond the walls. Additionally, the sliding panels installed at higher levels maintain privacy while controlling the light entering the interiors. This feature allows residents to adjust their environment according to their needs and the time of day.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays an important role in the design. A roof system collects rainwater and directs it to an external planter, promoting the growth of local vegetation. This method not only supports the project’s ecological goals but also enhances the surrounding landscape. Such features demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact while providing functional benefits to residents.

Material Application

The materials chosen for Vale de Moses support both the design's aesthetic and its sustainability aims. Teflon sheets serve to protect the building from harsh weather, ensuring durability over time. Energy-efficient LED lights illuminate the spaces, making them warm and inviting. Meanwhile, translucent walls allow natural light to penetrate the interiors, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Local wood is used to assist with heating and cooling the buildings naturally, while cork insulation captures energy efficiency while minimizing transportation emissions.

The roof design showcases a functional approach to rainwater management, with channels that effectively collect water, highlighting the attention to detail in merging practicality with design. This careful consideration ensures that Vale de Moses is not just a place to live but a thoughtfully designed space that embraces the environment around it.

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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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