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A Multifunctional Brick and Timber Pavilion for Reading and Reflection

Author:
Samuel Armange
A Multifunctional Brick and Timber Pavilion for Reading and Reflection

Project in-detail

The Daedalus Maze is a multifunctional community pavilion made from hollow brick and unrefined timber. It invites solitary and social engagement through layered spatial experiences that promote reading, reflection, and interaction with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes porous hollow brick walls for passive ventilation.
02
Incorporates unrefined timber beams to enhance natural aesthetics.
03
Features a flexible seating design that adapts to user needs.
04
Includes a dedicated book exchange area to promote literacy.
05
Employs sustainable rainwater collection strategies integrated into the structure.

The Daedalus Maze is a conceptual community pavilion that explores movement, memory, and interaction through a layered spatial sequence inspired by the myth of Daedalus and Icarus. Designed to support reading, reflection, and communal gathering, the pavilion guides visitors along an ascending route that balances solitary exploration with opportunities for shared experience.

Spatial Sequence and Circulation

The design incorporates a Penrose stair–inspired circulation system that establishes a vertical rhythm throughout the pavilion. This ascending pathway opens to multiple viewing platforms, offering framed sightlines across the surrounding forest. Staggered walls and semi-transparent brickwork maintain a balance between openness and enclosure, creating a dynamic spatial journey. Seating is integrated in the form of flexible bleachers and benches, supporting both informal rest and programmed activities such as reading circles and workshops.

Material Strategy and Functional Elements

The structure is built from uncut wooden beams, uncut steel profiles, hollow bricks, waterproof canvas, and steel-and-wood assemblies. The porous brick walls promote passive ventilation and visual permeability, while the timber and steel provide structural stability. Claustra walls create visual connections between spaces while preserving intimacy in larger areas. Dedicated book exchange points are integrated into the layout, with waterproof storage ensuring books are protected from weather. Modular components allow for adaptability and ease of maintenance, reinforcing the pavilion’s community-oriented function.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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