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Embracing Invisibility Through Intimate Patios and Concrete Walls

Author:
Shirley Levy
Embracing Invisibility Through Intimate Patios and Concrete Walls

Project in-detail

Constructed with concrete and warm wood, the design features intimate patios that enhance sensory engagement, creating a serene residential environment in the bustling urban context of Jaffa.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates small patios that act as sound buffers from the urban environment.
02
Concrete walls provide durability while allowing for focused sensory experiences.
03
The layout emphasizes haptic feedback through varied flooring materials.
04
Natural ventilation and scented plants enhance the sensory quality of the interior.
05
The inward-facing design promotes intimacy and tranquility in a densely populated area.

The House of Invisibility is located in a small alley in Jaffa, an area known for its dense urban landscape. The design aims to explore the idea of invisibility, focusing on how spaces can be perceived without relying on sight. By engaging the senses of sound, touch, and smell, the house creates an immersive environment for its residents, allowing them to experience their surroundings on multiple levels. The layout emphasizes inward-facing spaces, offering a quiet retreat from the activity of the city.

Inward-Facing Spaces
The design features a courtyard topology that enhances privacy and tranquility within the home. Small patios are incorporated into the layout, providing a buffer between the inner spaces and the noisy city outside. This inward focus creates a sense of intimacy, allowing the occupants to feel sheltered and connected to the natural elements, while also promoting a peaceful atmosphere.

Spatial Organization
The home is divided into two key zones: one area designed for specific household functions and another serving as a pathway around the inner patio. This organization encourages movement throughout the residence and highlights the distinction between active and passive spaces. In the functional areas, warm wooden elements contribute to a welcoming environment, while polished concrete is used in the circulation zones to delineate between different types of spaces.

Sensory Engagement
A central aspect of the design is its focus on sensory experiences. Movement plays a crucial role in how residents interact with their surroundings. The change in materials—from the polished concrete underfoot to the warmth of the wooden finishes—enhances the tactile experience of moving through the space. Each step brings a new sensation, allowing inhabitants to connect with their environment on a physical level.

Natural Elements
Natural elements are woven into the design to enrich the experience further. For example, the feeling of wind on the skin acts as an additional boundary that defines the space. The use of scented plants throughout the residence adds an olfactory dimension, helping occupants navigate their environment and fostering a deeper connection with the house.

Narrow windows punctuate the concrete facade, allowing filtered light while maintaining privacy for the inhabitants. This thoughtful approach affirms the design's commitment to creating a serene interior without losing touch with the busy urban landscape outside.

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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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