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Clay Walls and Water Collection Within an Integrated Community Workspace

Author:
Gaetan Brunet
Clay Walls and Water Collection Within an Integrated Community Workspace

Project in-detail

Constructed with clay walls and supported by a large roof that incorporates innovative rainwater collection, the building serves as a flexible workspace designed to foster collaboration and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large roof structure designed for effective rainwater collection Two-story digital library featuring free-formed clay walls Transversal meeting pipe offering expansive views and informal gathering space Semi-isolated working stations promoting concentration and focus Adjacent orchard providing a contemplative outdoor environment.

The architectural project presents a thoughtful response to modern working environments, focusing on user comfort and adaptability amid climate change and technological progress. Located near the Bordeaux lakes, the building aims to create a productive space for today’s workforce. Its design centers around a large roof structure that offers protection from the elements while also incorporating sustainable features, such as rainwater collection.

Roof Structure

A significant aspect of the design is the large roof, which takes inspiration from local warehouse architecture. This roof serves multiple purposes, providing essential protection from rain and sun while managing water efficiently. Its slight elevation on one side allows for effective rainwater channeling, which integrates passive sustainability features into the overall design. The roof's expansive presence defines the building’s identity and functionality.

Spatial Configuration

The layout consists of interconnected spaces that encourage flexibility and user interaction. It features low-cost yet sophisticated areas that facilitate movement throughout the building. Individual working stations are organized in an alley, providing semi-isolated spaces that promote focus and concentration. At the same time, they maintain visual connections to the landscape outside, addressing the practical needs of modern work environments.

Functional Zones

Distinct areas within the design enhance productivity and collaborative work. The two-story digital library, designed with free-formed clay walls, breaks traditional shapes and allows for dynamic uses of the space. This library acts as a hub for information and communication, reflecting the intention to create an inclusive environment. The transversal meeting pipe connects different sections of the building, offering expansive views and informal gathering spaces finished in a calming electric blue tone.

External Integration

Integration with the surroundings is further reflected in the orchard adjacent to the kitchen area. This outdoor space fosters contemplation and social interaction, while the kitchen facilitates casual dining that bridges indoor and outdoor experiences. A duckboard platform connects key areas of the building and provides vistas of both the workspace and nature outside, enhancing the overall user experience.

The design emphasizes functional adaptability and a commitment to environmental considerations, demonstrating thoughtful space arrangements that support a vibrant community under a unified roof.

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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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