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Choreographed Layering of Natural Stone and Timber in a Rural Community Hub

Author:
Elizabeth Wiecek
Choreographed Layering of Natural Stone and Timber in a Rural Community Hub

Project in-detail

Layered topography harmonizes with natural stone and local timber to create a community hub designed for social interaction and wellness in a rural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered design integrates seamlessly with the natural slope of the landscape.
02
Community core serves as a multifunctional gathering space, enhancing social interaction.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles promotes fire resistance and complements the natural environment.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Dedicated equestrian facilities support local culture and encourage outdoor activity.

### Project Overview

The project is situated in a rural area characterized by undulating topography and aims to create a cohesive environment that fosters community engagement while harmonizing with the natural landscape. It consists of a community core, accommodation units, and recreational spaces, structured to facilitate both social interaction and solitary reflection. The design promotes a strong connection between the built environment and its surroundings, encouraging visitors to engage with the site and explore its diverse offerings.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration

The site plan, designed at a scale of 1:1500, features distinct functional areas that include a community core, multiple guest accommodations, a wellness area with a pool and sauna, and a stable for horses. By strategically placing these components, the design invites a gradient of experiences, transitioning from communal spaces to private retreats. This organization enhances social interaction and collaboration while allowing for moments of individual contemplation. The layering of architectural forms also guides visitors through a narrative journey, unfolding progressively as they navigate the site.

### Sustainable Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and contextual relevance. Natural stone is extensively used, aligning with local geology while providing insulation and anchoring the structures within the landscape. Wood is incorporated in communal and accommodation areas, adding warmth and an organic quality to the design. Selective use of glass enhances the connection between interior and exterior spaces, promoting a sense of openness. This careful materiality not only supports the project's aesthetic appeal but also reinforces its environmental ethos and cultural sensitivity.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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