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Curated Sanctuary With Emotional Colors and Symbolic Rock Garden

Authors:
Laura Kupka, Bjarki snaer Smarason, Birta run Armannsdottir, Suzan Amato
Curated Sanctuary With Emotional Colors and Symbolic Rock Garden

Project in-detail

Defined by its symbolic rock garden and a palette of emotional colors, the design serves as a virtual sanctuary that promotes mental well-being and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Defined by a limit of 111 objects to foster mental clarity.
02
Utilizes a color palette based on psychological principles to evoke specific emotions.
03
Incorporates a symbolic rock garden as the focal point of the space.
04
Features a glass pool to enhance visual engagement and reflection.
05
Encourages intentionality in object selection to support self-discovery.

111 is a design concept that reimagines the experience of home within a digital framework. It is designed to offer an escape from the distractions of daily life. The virtual space is intentionally crafted to create a sense of calm and clarity, focusing on the well-being of its users. By limiting the number of objects and utilizing principles from color psychology, the space promotes mindfulness and self-reflection.

Conceptual Framework

The foundation of the design lies in the idea that while not everything is necessary, there are numerous possibilities for exploration. This principle guides the choice to limit the objects within the home to 111, a number supported by research on mental well-being. This limitation encourages thoughtful selection, leading to an environment that is carefully curated to enhance tranquility and focus.

Color Dynamics

A standout component of the design is its color palette, influenced by psychological insights about how colors affect emotions. The home features a gradient of colors that aim to evoke feelings of calmness and clarity. This approach allows the environment to adapt to the emotional states of its users, creating a personalized experience within the virtual space.

Symbolic Elements

At the center of the design is a rock-based garden, which serves as the symbolic heart of the home. This element connects the space to nature, providing a reminder of tranquility amid the modern environment. Alongside this, a glass pool enhances the space, offering visual interest and inviting moments of reflection.

Curated Experience

The selection of 111 objects plays a crucial role in shaping a harmonious living environment. Each object is chosen for its purpose and ability to contribute to relaxation and self-discovery. This intentional focus on minimalism ensures that the space is free from clutter, allowing for a clear mental state that supports peace and presence.

The design intricately combines color, light, and form, creating an atmosphere that encourages introspection and promotes well-being. It reflects a contemporary understanding of how architecture can enhance daily life through thoughtful design choices.

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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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