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Cork Insulation and Water Management in a Tranquil Retreat

Authors:
Francisco Ornelas, Ana Ruivo, João Jesus
Cork Insulation and Water Management in a Tranquil Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating cork insulation and a strategic water management system, this tranquil retreat seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings to create a sustainable environment for relaxation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork insulation enhances thermal efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
02
Strategic water management systems incorporate passive collection methods.
03
Pine beams and plywood construction create a warm, inviting aesthetic.
04
Weight distribution is optimized through the use of metal brackets.
05
Design prioritizes natural light and airflow for occupant comfort.

"The Path of the Soul" is a project that reflects a strong connection to the natural environment. Designed to enhance the surrounding landscape, the building serves as a quiet retreat for its users. The overall concept focuses on minimizing the impact of the structure on its site. By allowing elements like sunlight and wind to shape the experience within the space, the design creates a balance between the built environment and nature.

Structural Components

The project includes important structural elements that support its functionality and sustainability. A main water supply connection and a drop tube for water storage show a focus on efficient resource management. This careful planning helps to ensure water usage is effective, reinforcing the project's aim of harmonizing with the surrounding environment.



Material Selection

Material choice is crucial in meeting the design goals. Metal brackets offer necessary support while wooden plywood boards paired with cork provide insulation and stability. Metal gutters made from darker wood aid in managing water runoff, allowing the building to coexist with its landscape without disrupting its beauty.



Aesthetic and Environmental Integration

The visual quality of the building is enhanced by the careful selection of materials. Pine wood beams and wooden slats create a design language that fits well with the surroundings. The inclusion of plywood with insulation for domed areas shows an understanding of thermal performance. Additionally, pre-manufactured light concrete combined with cork improves both strength and energy efficiency.



Details and Functional Elements

Attention to detail is evident throughout the design. Water storage tanks and structural posts not only serve functional needs but also help to unify the overall appearance of the building. Base plywood panels elevate the structure while keeping a connection to the natural setting, resulting in a design that embodies thoughtful integration with its environment.

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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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