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Cork and Thatched Granaries Nestled in a Rural Landscape

Author:
Mark Kroese
Cork and Thatched Granaries Nestled in a Rural Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing natural cork and traditional thatch, the residence integrates circular granary forms within the rural landscape to create a functional and culturally resonant space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cork for thermal insulation, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates traditional thatch roofing for sustainable climate adaptation.
03
Circular granary-inspired forms create a unique spatial experience.
04
Employs passive design strategies to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Integrates an olive tree as a focal point, connecting to local agriculture.

### Project Overview
Located within a rural landscape that reflects the characteristics of the Putragee culture, this design integrates the built environment with its natural surroundings. The intent is to create a space that embodies environmental awareness and cultural significance, drawing inspiration from local traditions and topographical features.

### Spatial Strategy
The design utilizes a series of circular motifs to establish a visual narrative that resonates with traditional granary forms. Interlinked spaces promote fluid movement and interaction, distinguishing between public and private areas. Guest accommodations, tasting rooms, and communal gathering spaces are arranged to foster both privacy and community engagement. The layout progresses from the lowest elevation, with the incorporation of an olive tree that serves as a central focal point, symbolizing the connection to the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A curated material palette enhances both durability and ecological responsibility. Cork walls provide insulation, while clay brick walls add aesthetic warmth and integrate local building traditions. Terracotta tiles contribute functional beauty to the flooring, and thatch roofs offer superior insulation while blending seamlessly with vernacular styles. The use of wood in structural elements and decorative features adds warmth to the interiors. The emphasis on sustainability is evident in the application of passive climate control techniques, utilizing materials that naturally regulate temperature, such as the thermal mass of clay brick and terracotta. The project’s design reflects a commitment to environmental harmony, ensuring that the built environment interacts positively with its natural context.

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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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