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Circular Concrete Canopy Blending Subterranean Cellar and Rooftop Garden for Community Engagement

Author:
Keisuke Horibe
Circular Concrete Canopy Blending Subterranean Cellar and Rooftop Garden for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A circular concrete canopy supports a rooftop garden, seamlessly integrating a subterranean cellar and flexible communal spaces designed for local wine tasting and cultural engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A circular concrete roof supports a living garden that enhances insulation and biodiversity.
02
A subterranean cellar provides ideal conditions for wine storage with direct access to the tasting area.
03
Planter boxes integrated into the structure promote local flora and contribute to natural aesthetics.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed skylights, enhancing the user experience.
05
Flexible communal spaces accommodate diverse events, fostering community interaction and engagement.

### Project Overview
Located in a region known for its rich viticultural traditions, the project exemplifies a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and contemporary architectural practices. The design concept draws inspiration from the symbolism of wreaths, which are historically linked to agrarian practices and community celebration. The intent is to create a space that not only serves the functional needs of wine tasting and gathering but also reflects the local agricultural landscape and fosters connections among users.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The architectural composition is characterized by a ring-shaped reinforced concrete roof supported by undulating terraces, thus adapting to the site's topography. The inclusion of a rooftop garden not only enhances thermal performance but also functions as a communal area for absorbing the surrounding vistas. At the ground level, an expansive courtyard serves as a central hub for dining and events, promoting an indoor-outdoor connection through strategically placed entrances and skylights that facilitate natural light penetration.

#### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes sustainability and local context. Reinforced concrete forms the structural foundation, while wooden sash and double-glazed windows provide thermal insulation and visual warmth. The flooring incorporates locally sourced stone, establishing a connection to the region's geological characteristics. Furthermore, the rooftop's soil and drainage system supports vegetation, ensuring effective moisture management. This commitment to materiality not only contributes to the building's aesthetic but also its ecological performance, reinforcing the project’s environmentally responsible design philosophy.

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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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