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Corten Steel and Timber Structure Embracing Nature in a Spiraled Community Hub

Authors:
Alessandra Pederneschi, Davide Ripamonti, Elisabetta Valsecchi
Corten Steel and Timber Structure Embracing Nature in a Spiraled Community Hub

Project in-detail

A half-moon shaped entrance and central tree within a spiraled layout create a unique community hub constructed with locally sourced timber and corten steel, promoting sustainability and connection while serving as an event space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central tree enhances natural ventilation within the building.
02
Spiral design promotes fluid movement and social interaction.
03
Half-moon shaped entrance creates a welcoming gesture to visitors.
04
Materials include local timber and corten steel for resilience and sustainability.
05
Concentric paths connect various areas of the Spirala Ecological Village.

The design draws inspiration from the nautilus shell, utilizing a spiral form that represents life and growth. Located within the Spirala Ecological Village, the structure is arranged to curl around an internal square. At the heart of this square is a tree, which serves as a focal point in the event space. This thoughtful arrangement emphasizes a strong connection to nature while exploring themes of rebirth and community.

Design Concept

The layout promotes a sense of fluidity, creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor areas. Paths lead through different sections of the village, with narrower, concentric routes branching out from the center. This organization facilitates movement throughout the site and enhances visual interest, encouraging people to engage with both built and natural elements.

Community Interaction

A central aspect of the design is the importance of social connections. The open spaces allow for interaction among residents, promoting communal experiences. The flow of the structure moves outward from the center, symbolizing personal journeys within the community while building a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Environmental Integration

Natural ventilation strategies play a key role in the design, with open spaces that provide airflow and natural light. The central tree contributes to this system, helping to maintain thermal comfort and reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. This integration of natural elements creates a sustainable and welcoming indoor environment.

Materiality

Materials chosen for the project include local timber, eucalyptus wood, fir wood, and corten steel. Using local materials helps to decrease environmental impact and ensures a connection to the surrounding context. Corten steel, with its weathered appearance, complements the design's focus on resilience and sustainability.

The entrance features a half-moon shaped square that welcomes visitors and reflects the themes of transformation and community. This design detail fosters an inviting atmosphere while linking the space to a larger narrative of connection and shared experiences.

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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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