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Curvilinear Adobe Structure Embracing Natural Stone and Expansive Greenery

Author:
Mohammed A. A. Nassar
Curvilinear Adobe Structure Embracing Natural Stone and Expansive Greenery

Project in-detail

Crafted from red adobe and natural stone, this curvilinear residence integrates expansive greenery and outdoor spaces to create a tranquil environment focused on holistic living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced red adobe, the structure enhances thermal performance.
02
Curvilinear design facilitates natural ventilation throughout the living spaces.
03
Outdoor seating areas are integrated with the zen garden for a seamless experience.
04
Natural stone tiles sourced from nearby quarries link the architecture to its landscape.
05
Roof garden incorporates native plant species to promote local biodiversity.

# Architectural Design Report: The Zen House

### Overview
The Zen House is situated on a 30,000 square meter site, designed to cultivate an environment conducive to tranquility and relaxation. The project aims to establish a serene living space, harmonizing architectural elements with the surrounding landscape while adhering to the principles of Zen philosophy. The design features circular forms that facilitate movement and connection throughout the space, promoting a cohesive relationship with nature.

### Spatial Strategy and Site Organization
The spatial organization emphasizes an organic flow, centering around a zen garden that serves as the focal point for relaxation and meditation. The entrance is marked by a stone pathway set among strategically placed landscaping that enhances the arrival experience. Key components include various outdoor seating areas designed to encourage interaction with the natural surroundings, along with dedicated spaces for parking and utilities that maintain functionality without disrupting the residential character of the site.

Incorporating an open-plan layout, the interior design enhances adaptability and ease of movement between spaces. Level one features a centrally located living room that connects to the zen garden, while the kitchen and dining areas are arranged for familial engagement. Private spaces on level two, such as bedrooms with balconies, are thoughtfully positioned to facilitate a serene atmosphere, with wide circulation areas promoting fluid access throughout.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choices are deliberate and focused on sustainability, featuring environmentally friendly options that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Red adobe bricks are utilized for their thermal properties, while wood accents provide warmth and visual comfort. Glass fenestration creates transparency between indoor and outdoor areas, maximizing natural light. Natural stone tiles are used for exterior pathways and key interior locations, ensuring durability and visual coherence with the environment. Concrete serves as a structural element, contributing to the house's overall stability.

The innovative roof garden offers additional outdoor space, designed for recreational use and biodiversity enhancement through strategic planting. This integration of natural elements reflects a commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness, underscoring the project's overall design ethos.

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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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