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Curved Angles and Sustainable Timber Create Reflective Spaces for Essence Making

Author:
Yasaman Davachi
Curved Angles and Sustainable Timber Create Reflective Spaces for Essence Making

Project in-detail

Curved angles and a thoughtful arrangement of timber elements facilitate natural energy flow in a space dedicated to flower essence making and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved internal wall angles enhance energy flow throughout the space.
02
Timber construction promotes environmental sustainability and connection with nature.
03
Dedicated areas for flower essence making are strategically located for accessibility.
04
Natural light is maximized through thoughtful building orientation and northern extrusions.
05
A water rill feature enriches the internal environment and fosters tranquility.

The design emerges as a thoughtful response to its natural environment, with a focus on blending functionality and user experience. Set among a group of seven trees, the layout encourages interaction with nature while also accommodating activities such as flower essence making. The primary concept aims to harness natural light and create an atmosphere that supports mindfulness and well-being.

Site Orientation and Sunlight Access

The project's orientation is carefully planned to enhance sunlight exposure, which is important for the essence-making process. By extending the building outward on the northern side, the design allows ample natural light to enter the internal spaces while simultaneously providing shaded areas ideal for meditation. This approach ensures that the spaces serve their purpose while also contributing to a peaceful environment.

Spatial Organization and Functional Flow

The layout reflects a deliberate organization of spaces that effectively harmonizes different functions. Areas designated for flower essence making are placed in a manner that does not obstruct meditation zones. This thoughtful arrangement prioritizes user convenience, allowing individuals to move easily from one space to another while fully engaging in their activities.

Materiality and Structural Considerations

Timber is used as the primary construction material, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability. Plywood is specifically mentioned for the building’s base structure, providing both strength and cohesion with the organic design. The inclusion of a waterproofing membrane and vapour barrier further enhances the building's durability, ensuring it can withstand the elements and perform efficiently over time.

Design Details and Internal Dynamics

The project pays close attention to energy flow within the interior spaces. Internal walls are angled to encourage natural energy movement, creating a more vibrant atmosphere. Features such as a fireplace and a water rill add to the internal experience, fostering a connection between occupants and their surroundings. The integration of these natural elements highlights the important relationship between the building and the 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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