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Catalan Vaults Embracing Nature in a Sustainable Residence and Education Complex

Authors:
Ryo Murata, Isabelle Nobayashi, Chenyin Xu, Hiroki Moriya
Catalan Vaults Embracing Nature in a Sustainable Residence and Education Complex
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Employing Catalan vaults and Cross-Laminated Timber, the residence and education complex harmonizes with its landscape, creating accessible spaces that foster community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Residency and Workshop incorporate traditional Catalan vault roofing for structural support and thermal efficiency.
02
Cross-Laminated Timber is used to create a comfortable environment in the Hostel and coworking areas.
03
The site features a dedicated Meditation Center promoting health and well-being through open spaces.
04
Natural light is strategically utilized to enhance the ambience and encourage creativity in communal areas.
05
The design integrates farming elements to foster interaction with the surrounding landscape.

The project is an artists' residence and education complex that connects closely with the natural landscape. Located in an area with varied terrain, the design draws inspiration from principles of biomimicry and sustainability. The focus is on how people interact with nature, creating an environment that supports creativity and community.

Architectural Composition

The complex features structures with forms that resemble mountains, allowing them to blend into the landscape. The Residency and Workshop are particularly notable for their elegant Catalan vault roofs. These roofs are both functional and visually appealing, providing support while enhancing the thermal efficiency of the buildings. The overall design promotes views of the landscape, reinforcing the connection between the architecture and the surrounding environment.



Wellness and Community

Central to the design is the Meditation Center, which emphasizes health and well-being. Open spaces and pathways encourage accessibility and interaction with nature. The arrangement of this center invites visitors to engage with their surroundings, fostering a sense of calm and reflection. Users can enjoy the natural setting, making the experience of being outdoors a daily part of life in the complex.



Central Hub

The Hostel is strategically located at the top of a hill, serving as a gathering point. Accommodating up to 40 guests, it features common areas such as a restaurant and café. These spaces are designed to encourage social connections among visitors. The building's design allows for plenty of natural light and airflow, creating a comfortable atmosphere for those who use the facilities.



Materiality and Techniques

The project uses traditional materials and construction techniques, which add to its character. Catalan vaults are employed to ensure structural strength while providing an aesthetic appeal. Cross-Laminated Timber, or CLT, is used in the Hostel and coworking areas to promote a sustainable approach to building. Additional finishes like gypsum plaster and broken tiles contribute to the durability and thermal performance of the structures.

The way light enters the buildings creates a welcoming ambiance. This design detail not only highlights the artistic activities within the space but also enhances the overall environment, making it conducive to creativity and collaboration among users.

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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.

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