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Earth-Sheltered Shrine Constructed with Thick Brick and Natural Thatched Roof for Communal Reflection

Authors:
PIERRE FONSECA, LOIC LEMERCIER, CARLA CAUSSE, JULIEN PIDANCIER
Earth-Sheltered Shrine Constructed with Thick Brick and Natural Thatched Roof for Communal Reflection

Project in-detail

Constructed with thick brick and a natural thatched roof, the earth-sheltered shrine creates a contemplative space that seamlessly blends community and meditation within a holistic architectural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with thick brick for enhanced thermal mass and durability.
02
Incorporates a natural thatched roof to improve insulation and blend with the landscape.
03
Features circular pathways to encourage movement and connection among users.
04
The shrine is semi-buried, symbolizing a connection between earth and sky.
05
Utilizes locally sourced materials to promote sustainability and community engagement.

## Architectural Design Report: Mandalasana Project

### Overview

The Mandalasana project is situated in a tranquil locale, serving as a community hub and a sanctuary for yoga practitioners. It integrates daily life with spiritual practice, focusing on natural elements and fostering connections among nature, community, and personal introspection. With its design inspired by the **mandala**—a representation of the universe and a journey toward self-awareness—the project aims to create spaces that encourage both individual reflection and communal engagement.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

Central to the design is a circular motif that reflects both natural and cosmic order. The primary circular platform serves as a communal gathering space, facilitating interaction among users and promoting shared experiences through contemplation and celebration. An extending pathway connects various project elements, acting as an initiatory route that links daily activities with spiritual pursuits. The designated barn structure, using traditional materials, addresses the community's functional needs while fostering a sense of belonging, extending its use for gatherings and meditative practices.

### Materiality and Ecological Integrity

Local and sustainable materials are integral to the project's ecological framework. Thick brick contributes to structural durability and thermal efficiency, while hemp insulation provides an environmentally friendly alternative that enhances energy performance. Wood elements introduce warmth and harmonize with the natural environment, and the thatched roof serves dual purposes of aesthetic appeal and effective insulation. This intentional material selection not only promotes sustainability but also offers a tangible connection between the built environment and its natural context.

### Connection to Nature and Adaptive Design

Pathways thoughtfully meander through the surrounding landscape, promoting awareness of natural features such as watercourses and trees. This design encourages mindfulness, fostering an environment conducive to relaxation and meditation. Additionally, the architecture accommodates seasonal changes; for instance, the barn's adaptable layout allows it to function for yoga sessions and community events regardless of weather conditions. The semi-buried shrine at the end of the pathway enhances the meditative experience, symbolizing the journey between earth and spiritual elevation.

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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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