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Contemplation Deck and Stone Walls Shaping Community Interaction

Author:
Léon Hertz
Contemplation Deck and Stone Walls Shaping Community Interaction

Project in-detail

With a design centered around a golden spiral and anchored by a stone wall, the center integrates nature through green roofs and native plants while serving as a versatile hub for community activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a suspended contemplation deck for elevated views.
02
A stone wall defines the entrance, guiding visitors through the landscape.
03
Five dry toilets are integrated, with one designed for accessibility.
04
Green roofs support local biodiversity while requiring low maintenance.
05
The building layout emphasizes fluid circulation connecting communal spaces.

The Spirala community center is designed to function as the focal point of a community while integrating with the surrounding landscape. Located on a sloping terrain at a high elevation, the structure derives its form from the concept of the golden spiral. This approach not only allows the building to blend into its environment but also encourages interaction among users through strategically arranged pathways and communal spaces.

Design Concept

The golden spiral serves as the guiding principle for the entire design. It influences the layout, making it fluid and inviting. A prominent stone wall signals the beginning of the spiral, leading visitors along a carefully planned route. This path includes both a ramp and a staircase, facilitating easy access to the nearby water reservoir, which adds a natural element to the site.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout promotes versatility and engagement. A central multipurpose area is at the heart of the building, designed to host various community activities, including lectures, workshops, and social events. The space is flanked by two lower volumes, one housing five dry toilets—one of which is accessible—and the other containing a kitchen. This kitchen is thoughtfully placed within the curve of the spiral, ensuring it supports the needs of the community while maintaining the overall architectural vision.

Circulation and Accessibility

The circulation system within the center is defined by a floor made of modular slabs, which follow the roof's grid. This alignment enhances the visitor experience and encourages effortless movement throughout the facility. The design naturally guides guests toward the spiral's center, prioritizing accessibility while also shielding critical service areas like the kitchen. A pergola extending to the bathrooms serves as a transitional space, simplifying access for users.

Sustainability Measures

The community center addresses sustainability through its exterior design. Granite slabs create a smooth transition between constructed and natural spaces. Green roofs feature low-maintenance plant species that contribute to local biodiversity. At the same time, native plants along the ramp help secure the slope and offer seasonal visual interest. Energy efficiency is enhanced through the use of translucent tiles and photovoltaic panels, aligning the building with ecological standards.

The pathway concludes at a contemplation deck, elevated above the ground. This space offers visitors a scenic view of the landscape, encouraging them to connect with nature and reflect on their surroundings.

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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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