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Dark Brick Crater Structure Engaging Community Through Agricultural Sustainability

Author:
Loic Daniel
Dark Brick Crater Structure Engaging Community Through Agricultural Sustainability

Project in-detail

The dark brick structure, shaped like a crater, utilizes geothermy and abundant vegetation to create an engaging community space centered around agricultural sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crater shape allows for a central open space that enhances natural light distribution.
02
Dark brick material reflects the colors of the surrounding geological features.
03
Partially buried design utilizes geothermy for energy efficiency throughout the year.
04
Integrated greenhouse links to the main building for efficient agricultural practices.
05
Outdoor theatre fosters community engagement and social interaction within the site.

Green Magma is an architectural design that integrates deeply with the surrounding geological features. The building takes on a distinctive crater shape that allows natural light to enter the interior. Set against a backdrop of rocky outcrops, the structure serves both agricultural and community functions, emphasizing sustainability and a connection to nature.

Design Concept
The design of Green Magma is informed by the topography of the site. The crater shape reflects the natural forms of the landscape while providing an inviting central space. This design encourages interaction between the structure and its surroundings, drawing attention to the relationship between architecture and the environment.

Material Selection
Dark brick is the primary material used, chosen for its compatibility with the colors of the nearby geological formations. This material contributes not only to the visual cohesion with the landscape but also plays a role in temperature regulation. The building benefits from the thermal mass of the brick, helping it maintain comfortable internal conditions throughout the year.

Functional Organization
The layout of Green Magma is divided into areas for both agricultural production and visitor engagement. The production section includes small greenhouses that maximize sunlight exposure, while an underground area caters to crops that require less light, such as mushrooms. This organization allows for effective farming practices while also enhancing the experience for visitors.

Community and Interaction
Visitor spaces are designed to create connections with the outdoor environment. The southern facade, featuring large openings from the greenhouse, allows ample light to flow into the interior while framing views of the landscape outside. An outdoor theatre acts as a central feature, linking the restaurant and multipurpose spaces, which fosters community engagement and promotes social interaction.

Green Magma incorporates practical sustainability measures. Snowmelt from the greenhouse roof can be collected and stored in an underground tank for irrigation, highlighting the building's focus on ecological responsibility.

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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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