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Curved Walls Enhancing Acoustic Serenity Through Flexible Materials

Authors:
Shitong Wang, Liguo Wang, Junran Yang, Yunxin Sun
Curved Walls Enhancing Acoustic Serenity Through Flexible Materials

Project in-detail

Three overlapping curved walls channel rainwater and enhance acoustic experiences, creating a serene environment for meditation within a flexible structure that harmonizes with its forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three curved walls channel rainwater, producing soothing auditory experiences indoors.
02
Walls function as ventilation systems, promoting natural airflow throughout the space.
03
Flexible materials adapt to temperature and humidity changes for enhanced comfort.
04
The design fosters deep integration with the surrounding forest environment.
05
Acoustic properties are intentionally incorporated to support meditation practices.

The design is located in a quiet forest area, focused on the connection between meditation and the surrounding natural environment. The building aims to create a peaceful atmosphere, allowing residents to experience both solitude and the sounds of nature. Its concept revolves around integrating auditory experiences with architectural form, featuring three curved walls that not only define the structure but also enhance its functionality.

Innovative Design Features

Three overlapping curved walls form the main visual element of the design. These walls are carefully shaped to channel rainwater through grooves, bringing the sound of dripping water into the interior. This thoughtful detail contributes to a calming atmosphere for meditation, making it easier for users to feel at peace as they listen to nature around them.

Environmental Integration

The walls also function as vents, creating a natural airflow that keeps the interior space comfortable. This spiral airflow pattern enhances ventilation will and allow fresh air to circulate throughout. By promoting this connection between the inside and outside, the design invites the occupants to enjoy the atmosphere of the forest and breathe in clean air.

Adaptive Materiality

Lightweight and flexible materials are used in the construction, enabling the façade to open or close based on temperature and humidity changes. This setup allows the building to provide varying levels of openness, offering both observation of the natural world and privacy for meditation. The material choices support the project's aim to connect with the environment in a respectful manner while maintaining functionality.

A notable detail of the design is how the sound of water interacts with the curves of the walls. The combination of these features creates a unique environment where sound and space work together, enriching the experience for those who enter.

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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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