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Cork Insulation and Aleppo Pine Integration in a Sustainable Community Habitat

Authors:
Monika Supe, Franziska Futterknecht
Cork Insulation and Aleppo Pine Integration in a Sustainable Community Habitat

Project in-detail

Cork insulation and the warmth of Aleppo pine define a thoughtfully designed habitat that harmonizes with its surroundings while fostering community and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cork insulation for enhanced thermal regulation and sustainability.
02
Incorporates Aleppo pine for interior finishes, promoting local craftsmanship and warmth.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and reduce material waste.
04
Designed with community pathways to encourage interaction and engagement among residents.
05
Employs a bent A-frame structure, blending modern aesthetics with the natural landscape.
The architectural project centered around Vale de Moses presents a thoughtful exploration of sustainable living, seamlessly integrating design with the natural landscape. Located in a serene and picturesque environment, the project embodies a commitment to environmental harmony, community interaction, and functionality. Its design philosophy promotes a minimalist approach, prioritizing essential living spaces that encourage connection to nature and among inhabitants.

The core function of the Vale de Moses project is to create a cluster of breathable living spaces that enhance the quality of life for its users while minimizing ecological impact. This endeavor places significant emphasis on sustainability, utilizing locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems to ensure the structures don’t merely coexist with their environment but actively contribute to it. The design prioritizes aesthetics and comfort, allowing residents to thrive in a setting that encourages tranquility and reflection.

The design intricately weaves together several key elements that define its character. Pathways connect the various structures, fostering a sense of community. These routes are not only functional for navigation but also provide visual allure, inviting exploration and interaction. Each building is designed with large windows and strategic skylights, maximizing natural light penetration and ensuring that indoor spaces feel expansive and connected to the outside world. The overall layout reflects a careful consideration of topography, with buildings gracefully perched to offer views of the surrounding landscape while respecting the natural contour of the land.

Materials play a vital role in the project's success, with selections focused on practicality, sustainability, and local relevance. Cork serves as an insulating material for facades and shutters, promoting energy efficiency while embracing a natural aesthetic. The use of Aleppo pine for furnishings introduces warmth and durability, reinforcing the project's ethos of utilizing regional resources. Clay is employed in wall systems to regulate temperature, demonstrating a nuanced approach to climate-responsive design. Additionally, photovoltaic panels incorporated into skylights signify a commitment to renewable energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and decreasing overall energy consumption.

A noteworthy aspect of the Vale de Moses project is its integrated storage solutions. Cleverly designed to minimize clutter, these elements ensure that living spaces remain serene and inviting. For instance, storage drawers built into steps and multifunctional furniture create efficient and versatile areas without compromising the visual appeal of the interiors. This attention to detail enhances the practical living experience while maintaining the design aesthetic.

What sets this architectural project apart is its community-centric layout and emphasis on human interaction. The spaces are designed not only for private living but also for communal activities, reflecting a philosophy of shared experiences. This encourages more profound engagement among occupants and with the surrounding environment, fostering a sense of belonging within the project. The seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas reinforce the idea of fluid living, where occupants can effortlessly connect with nature and each other.

In summary, the Vale de Moses architectural project emerges as a significant representation of contemporary sustainable design, encapsulating essential ideas that resonate with modern living. Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will offer further insights into the thoughtful approaches employed throughout the project. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation to appreciate how this design not only meets its functional goals but also serves as an enduring model for integrating architecture within the natural world.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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