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Environmental Experience with Rammed Earth Columns and Reflective Surfaces

Author:
Gela Gelovani
Environmental Experience with Rammed Earth Columns and Reflective Surfaces

Project in-detail

Rammed earth columns adorned with reflective surfaces create a visual interplay with water, offering a serene wellness center that invites users to connect with the surrounding nature through yoga and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth columns are designed to reflect the surrounding landscape.
02
A circular opening above allows for fire use during yoga sessions.
03
Water surrounds the concrete slab, enhancing the sensory experience.
04
Zen gardens beneath the structure promote contemplation and relaxation.
05
Solar batteries and rainwater collection systems support sustainability.

The design presents a careful blending of the built environment with nature. Located within a thoughtfully considered landscape, the structure aims to create spaces that encourage mindfulness and reflection. Serving as a wellness center, it includes areas for yoga practice and interactions with natural elements, providing a calm environment for users to connect with both themselves and their surroundings.

Concept and Integration

The design draws inspiration from the natural terrain, featuring four main columns that support the structure while enhancing its visual appeal. These columns are adorned with mirrors that create an effect of the building floating above the ground. This approach emphasizes the connection with the environment, making users feel part of the landscape rather than separate from it.

Elemental Connections

Water, earth, fire, and air play crucial roles in the overall concept. The concrete slab serves as a base surrounded by water, inviting users to engage with the elements. A circular opening atop the columns is designated for fire, which will be used during yoga sessions. This feature encourages both physical and spiritual connection, enhancing the overall experience of mindfulness.

Spatial Dynamics

Air circulation is an important factor in the design, with openings on all sides to facilitate fresh airflow. Large glass façades allow plenty of natural light and provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This design choice fosters a feeling of openness, encouraging a strong link between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sustainability and Functionality

Sustainable practices are embedded throughout the design. The roof is equipped with solar batteries, helping to meet energy needs. Rainwater collection systems are incorporated for use in irrigation and sanitary facilities, with two separate tanks to ensure efficiency. This consideration reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact, integrating functionality with ecological awareness.

Zen gardens are placed beneath the structure, offering peaceful spaces for reflection and quiet moments. These gardens invite users to appreciate the natural beauty of the area, enriching the experience of those who visit.

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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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