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Curvilinear Facade Crafted From Natural Stone and Timber Cladding Overlooking Sydney Harbour

Authors:
Carl Victor Pickering, Claudio Lazzarini, Stefano Colagrande
Curvilinear Facade Crafted From Natural Stone and Timber Cladding Overlooking Sydney Harbour

Project in-detail

The seamless integration of a curvilinear facade with natural stone and timber cladding creates a visually compelling residence that harmonizes with its Sydney Harbour surroundings, all while promoting sustainability through innovative design strategies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear facade design enhances natural light while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels improves structural performance and sustainability.
03
Green rooftops and vertical gardens promote biodiversity and ecological health.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and a unique aesthetic quality to the exterior.
05
Strategic placement of large glass panels offers unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour.

### Overview
Located in Sydney Harbour, the villa exemplifies contemporary design principles that prioritize ecological sensitivity and contextual integration. This residential project reuses the footprint of a previous dwelling, thereby underscoring the importance of preserving the historical fabric of the area while accommodating modern living requirements. The design aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings, responding thoughtfully to the specific climatic and geographical conditions of the site.

### Spatial Strategy
The villa's three-tiered layout is meticulously organized to differentiate spaces for family living, social interaction, and private areas. The lower level, designed for everyday family activities, integrates with outdoor spaces to facilitate connection with the surrounding landscape. The mid-level serves as an entertaining area, while the upper level is dedicated to private rooms. This arrangement not only enhances communal engagement but also provides opportunities for privacy, promoting a balanced user experience. Furthermore, strategically placed windows and expansive glass panels optimize views of the harbour and enhance the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Material Selection
The materials chosen for the villa reflect a commitment to aesthetics, sustainability, and environmental context. Wood, used extensively in the facade and interior elements, introduces warmth and a natural quality to the design. Large glass surfaces enhance natural lighting and openness, while natural stone anchors the structure in its landscape. Additionally, steel and aluminum are employed for their strength and modern appeal, contributing to both the structural integrity and visual sophistication of the villa. Each material is selected not only for functionality but also for its ability to create a sense of continuity with the natural environment.

This design approach incorporates green terraces and living roofs, fostering biodiversity through the cultivation of native flora. Moreover, features such as natural ventilation optimize airflow and reduce reliance on artificial cooling. The adjacent landscape, designed with native species, supports local wildlife and contributes to a resilient ecosystem.

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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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