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Cracked Sphere with Cascading Water Crafted from Reclaimed Materials Integrating Community Spaces

Author:
Angeles Guadalupe Bueso Requejo
Cracked Sphere with Cascading Water Crafted from Reclaimed Materials Integrating Community Spaces

Project in-detail

A large cracked sphere with cascading water embodies sustainability through reclaimed materials and engages the community with versatile exhibition and gathering spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
A cracked exterior allows water to cascade from the spherical structure, creating a dynamic water feature.
02
Locally sourced materials, including reclaimed wood, are integrated into the design for environmental sustainability.
03
The structure features large glass panels that enhance visibility and connect occupants to the surrounding forest.
04
Pathways are designed to follow the natural topography, ensuring minimal disruption to the existing landscape.
05
Biodiversity is promoted through the inclusion of native plants surrounding the building's footprint.

### Project Overview

Located in a forested landscape, the design encompasses a conceptual framework that merges organic forms with functional spaces. The intent is to create an environment that fosters a dialogue between architectural elements and the natural surroundings, employing a design ethos that emphasizes both aesthetic and practical attributes. Central to this plan is a spherical structure that symbolizes the interplay between the earth and sky, providing a visual anchor that reinforces themes of unity and coexistence within the ecological context.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Interaction

The design incorporates a variety of pathways and bridges that facilitate movement while respecting the existing terrain. These elements are crafted to enhance accessibility and encourage exploration around the spherical form, allowing users to engage with diverse viewpoints and experiences within the site. The pathways utilize materials such as steel and reclaimed wood to establish a balance between structural integrity and visual lightness, promoting an unobtrusive presence in the landscape.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Materiality plays a crucial role in the architectural expression and sustainability of the project. Key components include concrete for foundational stability, steel for structural elements, and glass to enhance transparency and connection with the surrounding environment. The strategic use of reflective water features adds both aesthetic and climatic benefits, contributing to a serene atmosphere while promoting biodiversity through thoughtfully planned landscaping with native plants. This careful selection reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact while enhancing the overall functionality and beauty of the design.

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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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