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Embracing Natural Light Through Wood Columns in a Forest Pavilion

Authors:
Basilio Tager, Oscar Emilio Pontón
Embracing Natural Light Through Wood Columns in a Forest Pavilion
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Natural light filters through a central oculus, illuminating a series of vertical wood columns that guide visitors along a ceremonial pathway in a pavilion focused on ecological remembrance and human-nature interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central oculus enhances natural light and connects visitors to the sky.
02
Vertical wood columns mimic a forest, creating immersive spatial experiences.
03
Platforms guide visitors along a quasi-ceremonial pathway through the structure.
04
Design reflects themes of ecological remembrance and human-nature interaction.
05
Constructed with a focus on sustainability and the local environment.

The Memory of a Forest pavilion is located in Cofre de Perote, Veracruz, Mexico. It addresses the pressing issue of ecological destruction through its thoughtful design. This pavilion reflects on the relationship between development and the environment, encouraging visitors to reconsider the impact of human actions on nature. The concept invites a dialogue about remembrance and sustainability.

Materiality and Structure

The design highlights the versatility of wood, which plays a crucial role in the overall structure. Vertical columns create a sense of being in a forest while also providing necessary support. The choice of this material fosters a connection with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the experience for those who enter the pavilion.

Spatial Organization

Inside the pavilion, a series of platforms guide visitors along a path. This layout offers a quasi-ceremonial experience, encouraging exploration. Each platform illustrates the rich stories associated with the wood, promoting engagement. The arrangement balances functionality with a focus on visitor experience, making the space both practical and inviting.

Natural Light and Atmosphere

The central oculus acts as a focal point, allowing natural light to stream into the interior. This feature connects visitors to the sky above and adds to the overall design. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic atmosphere, changing throughout the day. It enhances the spatial qualities and deepens the visitor experience.

Design Detail

The careful arrangement of columns and platforms creates distinct areas within the pavilion. Shadows dance along the wooden surfaces, adding depth and texture. This interplay encourages visitors to pause and reflect on their surroundings while engaging with the stories embedded in the design. Each element serves to reinforce the pavilion's message about nature and human impact.

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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

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