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Ecological Sensitivity in Contextual Adaptation for New Public Spaces

Authors:
Steve Cox, Vlad Podoleanu, Soroush Haghighat
Ecological Sensitivity in Contextual Adaptation for New Public Spaces

Project in-detail

Guided by the concept of “NEW RUINS,” the design focuses on adaptive reuse and ecological sensitivity, crafting a space that fosters community interaction while honoring historical context.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to maximize structural efficiency while minimizing material waste.
03
A bent A-frame form allows for unique spatial configurations and innovative use of light.
04
Community engagement was prioritized through adaptable spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration.
05
The project emphasizes ecological sensitivity by integrating natural surroundings into the overall design narrative.

The project is situated in a context that blends history with contemporary needs, aiming to create spaces that feel fresh and purposeful. Drawing from the idea of “Incipit vita nova,” it embodies a spirit of renewal, suggesting that the lessons from the past can inform a productive future. This design fosters connections between different time periods, inviting users to engage with both history and modernity.

Concept of NEW RUINS

The notion of “NEW RUINS” serves as a foundation for exploring how history can guide contemporary architectural practices. Instead of viewing the past as a constraint, the design interprets it as a valuable resource. Engaging in analysis and adaptation, the project challenges conventional expectations, aiming to reinterpret existing structures in a way that reestablishes their significance. This relationship to context becomes a key part of guiding the future of the development.

Methodology and User Experience

Central to the design is a focus on the process known as ‘ground works.’ It emphasizes the careful removal, replacement, and creative reimagining of various architectural elements. This method encourages users to navigate thoughtfully through the space, leading to experiences that promote exploration and interaction. By acknowledging the challenges of movement within the environment, the design fosters a deeper connection to the spaces people occupy.

Integration with Nature

A goal of the design is to achieve a connection between constructed spaces and the natural surroundings. There is a clear intention to create an environment where materials and shapes work well with the landscape. The emphasis on transparency suggests a desire to let in light and blur the lines between inside and outside. This relationship with the landscape recognizes the role architecture plays in bridging the gap between people and their environment, highlighting the importance of ecological considerations.

Responsibility in Architecture

The approach taken here understands nature as more than just a backdrop; it is a vital participant in the architectural narrative. There is an emphasis on recognizing the complexities of the landscape and the interplay between natural and built elements. This understanding shapes the responsibilities of architects to both respect natural systems and enhance human experiences.

The ideas presented manifest in a design that encourages user interaction. Each feature is considered carefully, allowing the architecture to resonate with the surrounding environment. This results in a space infused with character, where people can connect with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

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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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