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Elevated Circular Volume with Full-Height Glazing in a Historic Stone Barn Setting

Authors:
Casey Wang, Pak ka Wong, Ricky Suen
Elevated Circular Volume with Full-Height Glazing in a Historic Stone Barn Setting

Project in-detail

An elevated circular volume with full-height glazing sits atop a historic stone barn, creating a harmonious blend of modern residential spaces and preserved heritage, all while enhancing natural light and ventilation throughout the home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure preserves ground-level features for improved natural flow.
02
Full-height glazing enhances connection to surrounding meadows and forests.
03
Central courtyard facilitates social interaction and natural ventilation.
04
Integration of historic stone barn with modern circular design.
05
Design focuses on maximizing daylight and energy efficiency.

Oczolini House is a modern addition that connects with its natural surroundings while respecting the history of the existing stone barn. Located in a rural area, the design emphasizes a commitment to the environment and encourages community interaction. The main idea combines the old barn with a new circular structure, enhancing both function and livability.

Design Concept

The core concept of Ozolini House is the blend of old and new designs into a balanced structure. The circular building sits above the historic barn, allowing the ground floor to remain intact. This design elevates the new section, improving air flow and bringing in natural light. The space underneath becomes a welcoming area, inviting people to enjoy the outdoors.



Materiality and Context

The use of full-height glazing is a key feature of the design. This large glass allows for beautiful views of the surrounding meadows and forests. By maximizing natural light, it also helps with energy efficiency. These choices reflect careful consideration of the local climate and the environment, fostering a connection between the house and nature.



Spatial Configuration

The relationship between the barn and the new circular structure creates a practical layout. The barn serves as a workspace, while the circular section provides living and communal areas. This clear separation between work and home life caters to different needs and supports a versatile lifestyle.



Central Courtyard

A central courtyard forms the heart of the design, allowing for movement and socializing among those who live there. This semi-outdoor area promotes air circulation and improves the quality of light throughout the building. The courtyard is a thoughtful addition that emphasizes the importance of community while maintaining a strong bond with the surrounding environment.



Natural light permeates the interiors, highlighting the smooth interactions between different spaces. The circular shape encourages easy navigation, creating a sense of flow throughout the residence. Ozolini House harmonizes with the landscape, becoming an extension of the natural setting that surrounds it.

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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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