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Fibonacci Spirals and Soapstone Warmth in a Community Home

Authors:
Daniela Feingold, Matthew Fisk
Fibonacci Spirals and Soapstone Warmth in a Community Home

Project in-detail

A distinctive fireplace crafted from soapstone anchors a community home designed around Fibonacci spirals, enhancing both warmth and aesthetic flow within its carefully organized spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
A Fibonacci spiral pattern on the main hall floor enhances spatial flow and aesthetics.
02
The bathrooms include compost toilets designed for sustainability and efficient use of space.
03
A reverse amphitheater with brick steps invites communal gatherings and scenic views.
04
Light-colored brick with bright blue grout connects the design to cultural references from Safed.
05
Glow-in-the-dark spirals in the main hall reflect community activities and movement.

The Spirala Community Home project features a residential design focused on community living and harmony with nature. The layout includes a spiral motif, which influences both the organization of spaces and the overall look of the home. Located in a natural setting, the architecture uses colors that reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents.

Spatial Layout

The design emphasizes accessibility and connection among residents. Curved ramps and pathways encourage movement throughout the building, while various seating arrangements promote socialization. A notable feature is the "reverse amphitheater," where exterior brick stairs extend into the hillside, allowing residents to gather and enjoy views of the sunset together.

Interior Organization

Inside the home, there are three main areas: the main hall, bathrooms, and kitchen. The main hall stands out with a Fibonacci spiral pattern on the floor, which draws attention and enhances navigation. The bathrooms are designed efficiently, with three compost toilets and one ADA-compliant stall to accommodate all residents. The floors display a Theodorus spiral design, adding a visual layer to functional spaces.

Materiality and Context

For the exterior, light-colored brick is combined with bright blue grout to create a visually appealing facade. This choice references the colors found in the blue city of Safed in Israel. Inside, Calcada Portuguese tiles in black, white, and off-white cover the flooring, providing durability alongside aesthetic appeal. A Tulikivi soapstone fireplace made in the Finnish style is positioned between the main hall and the gallery/WC, serving a practical need for warmth and addressing the local humidity.

Visual Details

The project pays close attention to small design elements. Hanging plants and native trees are integrated into the landscape, enhancing the natural feel around the home. The thoughtful design of indoor and outdoor spaces encourages interaction while promoting a sense of community. A glow-in-the-dark treatment on the spirals in the main hall adds a unique touch, reflecting the movement and activities of the residents, and creating an engaging atmosphere for all who enter.

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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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