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Celebrating Natural Growth Through Rammed Earth and Concrete Structures

Author:
Lam Nguyen
Celebrating Natural Growth Through Rammed Earth and Concrete Structures
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Rammed earth and concrete define a vertical pavilion that harmonizes with seasonal flower festivals in Shinshu Sky Park while providing a vibrant exhibition space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth structure enhances thermal performance and connects to local building traditions.
02
Lighting-integrated concrete caps provide dual functionality for aesthetics and illumination.
03
Pre-fabricated earth components streamline construction while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Vertical design symbolizes growth and interacts dynamically with the seasonal landscape.
05
Exhibition corridors promote fluid visitor movement and engagement with surrounding nature.

The pavilion in Shinshu Sky Park, Nagoya, Japan, provides an architectural response to the seasonal flower festivals celebrated in the region. Designed to rise upwards, it symbolizes growth and a connection to nature. The structure serves as both a gathering space and an exhibition area, inviting visitors to engage with the beauty of the landscape surrounding it.

Interior Elements

The pavilion features various interior elements that support its function and aesthetics. Lighting-integrated concrete caps provide efficient illumination while also serving a structural purpose. This combination of functionality enhances the atmosphere inside the pavilion and contributes to its overall design.

Structural Design

Pre-fabricated earth shell components are utilized to create a sustainable and efficient structure. These components are secured with concrete bridges, which enhance stability and allow for creative use of space. The structural design reflects an understanding of both the physical requirements of the building and the conceptual aims of the project.

Circulation and Layout

The layout emphasizes visitor circulation, with designated exhibition corridors that facilitate smooth movement through the space. A pre-fab rising walkway adds to accessibility, encouraging interaction with the various exhibits. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that visitors can fully appreciate the offerings of the pavilion.

Foundation Specifications

The foundation is designed for durability, featuring a 200mm slab-on-grade with surface footings. It is complemented by 100mm of sand that conceals the footings and a 600mm sand/gravel foundation bed to provide stability. These construction details show a commitment to building in harmony with the environmental conditions of the site.

The pavilion effectively blends interior and exterior spaces, fostering a connection to the natural environment while creating an opportunity for cultural engagement. It stands as a thoughtful addition to Shinshu Sky Park, enhancing the experience for all who visit.

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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

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