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Flowing Water and Circular Seating in an Urban Refuge

Author:
Karolina Sielski
Flowing Water and Circular Seating in an Urban Refuge

Project in-detail

A flowing water feature creates a sensory barrier while organic forms of circular seating provide a tranquil retreat within a vibrant urban landscape, inviting community interaction and moments of reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flowing water acts as a natural privacy barrier without physical walls.
02
Inspired by the shape of a water lily leaf, enhancing organic design elements.
03
Circular seating fosters community interaction and contemplation.
04
The design incorporates soundscapes to mask urban noise for relaxation.
05
Strategically placed to create a tranquil oasis in a busy urban environment.

The "WATERFALL" project occupies a space in a busy urban area, where the need for comfort and peace is often overlooked. It introduces a design concept that centers on the benefits of flowing water. This natural element aims to create a serene environment where city dwellers can escape their hectic surroundings. The design seeks to blur the lines between natural and urban settings, enhancing the experience of those who engage with it.

Design Integration

The central focus is the flowing water, which serves multiple roles. It provides visual interest while acting as a barrier that offers privacy without physical walls. This unique aspect allows users to find relaxation in the midst of city sounds. The gentle sound of water flowing creates a calming effect, making it easier for people to meditate or simply enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.

Form and Function

The design takes inspiration from the shape of a water lily leaf, resulting in an organic and inviting form. The structure features a circular surface, supported by a trapezoidal leg. This arrangement not only stabilizes the design but also encourages social interactions. The circular seating area invites people to gather, creating opportunities for community engagement, thoughtful discussion, and personal contemplation.

Material Considerations

While specific materials are not outlined, the project hints at using textures and finishes that align with its natural theme. The goal is to provide a tactile experience that complements the flowing water. This choice of materials is important for creating a comfortable environment that links the built structure to its natural surroundings.

The project highlights the role of architecture in enhancing urban living by prioritizing comfort and connection to nature. The flowing water feature combined with its organic form invites visitors to pause and reflect, fostering a renewed sense of peace in the busy city atmosphere.

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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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