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Embracing Natural Light Through Solar Access Along a Verdant Trail

Authors:
Katie Handy, Dinesh Perera, Madison Brenner, Jaime Reid
Embracing Natural Light Through Solar Access Along a Verdant Trail

Project in-detail

Utilizing solar access and a verdant trail, the design creates a seamless connection with the natural landscape while providing a functional public space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates optimal solar access for enhanced natural lighting.
02
Features distinct circulation routes for improved public interaction.
03
Emphasizes a connection with the landscape through a verdant trail.
04
Promotes community engagement with easily accessible entry points.
05
Designed with careful orientation to support wayfinding and usability.

“Fern Arroyo” represents a careful approach to blending natural landscapes with community needs in an urban setting. The design seeks to improve user experiences through green pathways that encourage connection with the environment. The project focuses on sustainability and well-being while providing clear routes for movement within the space.

Orientation and Circulation

The layout employs an orientation plan marked as “ORIENTATION N S ONE-WAY,” which helps users find their way easily. This well-defined directional system is key to managing traffic flow in busy areas. Circulation routes, detailed as "CIRCULATION ON ARROYO SECTION - EAST" and "CIRCULATION ON ARROYO SECTION - WEST," allow for smooth transitions between different areas, enhancing the accessibility of the overall environment.

Solar Access

Attention to environmental efficiency is clear in the design’s focus on solar access, highlighted by "SOLAR ACCESS" and "NOON SUNLIGHT." These elements demonstrate the purposeful use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial illumination. The design aims to flood spaces with sunlight, creating bright, welcoming areas that promote a strong connection to the outdoors throughout the day.

Public Interaction

The commitment to public access underscores the design's focus on inclusivity. Designing for straightforward entry points encourages community participation and invites people from various backgrounds to use the space. This focus on accessibility ensures that the area serves as a vibrant hub, fostering social connections and engagement rather than just a passageway.

With these design aspects, "Fern Arroyo" reflects a philosophy geared toward sustainability and community engagement. The continuous flow of the green trail invites exploration, encouraging users to interact with their surroundings and creating a lively urban area that both serves practical needs and enhances everyday life.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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