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Cultivating Calm Through a Rainwater-Integrated Sanctuary with Natural Light

Authors:
Hazem Elshafei, Ali El sabaawi, Daana Bolot
Cultivating Calm Through a Rainwater-Integrated Sanctuary with Natural Light

Project in-detail

A sanctuary that integrates rainwater management and natural light dynamics creates a meditative dwelling for its inhabitants, fostering tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The dwelling features an inner courtyard that fosters natural tranquility and biodiversity.
02
Rainwater is actively reused through an integrated management system enhancing sustainability.
03
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Strategic wall cuts provide visual connections to the exterior, maintaining awareness of time.
05
The sanctuary serves as a flexible space for contemplation, responding to the inhabitants' needs throughout the day.

Beyond Shelter is a residential design that aims to provide a calming retreat from the frenetic pace of modern life. Located in an area where nature and the built environment interact, the dwelling focuses on fostering peace and emotional well-being. The concept is rooted in recognizing the rhythms of nature, promoting a lifestyle that encourages inhabitants to align their daily activities with the movement of the sun.

Concept and Spatial Organization

The design effectively organizes living spaces, functioning like a natural clock. Inhabitants are encouraged to start their days at dawn, enjoy productivity during daylight hours, and slow their pace as evening approaches. With the bedroom positioned on the North-West side of the home, the design enhances the flow of natural light, promoting restful sleep and a consistent daily rhythm.

Connection with Nature

A key aspect of the design is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. An inner courtyard filled with greenery and trees serves as a focal point, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the home. This connection fosters a feeling of tranquility, allowing the serenity of the natural world to blend seamlessly with daily life. Residents can experience nature without leaving the comfort of their home.

Sustainability and Water Management

Sustainability features prominently in the project, particularly with its innovative approach to rainwater management. The design incorporates drainage systems that collect rainwater and directs it to the courtyard. This not only reduces waste but also introduces natural sounds that contribute to a soothing living environment. Thoughtful water management fosters a sense of harmony with the elements, essential for a peaceful home.

The Sanctuary Space

Central to the design is a sanctuary dedicated to contemplation and relaxation. This multifunctional space is adaptable, offering different experiences throughout the day to suit the needs of its inhabitants. By providing a tranquil area for reflection, it supports the broader goal of emotional safety within the home.

Strategically placed openings around the house allow for abundant natural light, drawing attention to the changing qualities of the day. Visual connections to the outside reinforce a continuous awareness of time and environment. Such details contribute to a residence designed not only for living but also for nurturing well-being and harmony.

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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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