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Geological Integration and Cultural Reflection at a Sacred Mountain Peak

Authors:
Phoebe Cheng, Chenyang Hao
Geological Integration and Cultural Reflection at a Sacred Mountain Peak

Project in-detail

Rooted in the geological landscape of Mount Kailash, the Pavilion integrates cultural reverence and environmental responsiveness to create a space for reflection and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sited at the sacred Mount Kailash, the Pavilion honors local spiritual traditions.
02
The layout features multiple interconnected spaces for diverse community activities.
03
Design elements reflect geological formations, enhancing the connection to the landscape.
04
Natural light and ventilation strategies are carefully integrated for comfort.
05
Community engagement is central, promoting discussions on environmental issues.

Pavilion Vacuum is set against the backdrop of Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain important in Buddhism, Jainism, Bön, and Hinduism. The design concept connects with the idea of the Anthropocene, a time when human activities have a significant impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems. The Pavilion aims to create a reflective space that honors the spiritual aspects of the location while addressing current environmental issues.

Spatial Organization
The layout includes various areas such as a Pavilion of Light, numerous conference rooms, valleys of light, observatories, and performance halls. Each space is designed to support interaction, reflection, and connections with the environment. The arrangement allows visitors to move fluidly between different experiences, deepening their understanding of the sacred landscape.

Environmental Responsiveness
Attention to the local climate is a key feature of the design. With around 226.4 sunny days each year, the building’s orientation is crucial, helping to provide comfortable indoor areas with natural light. The south-west to north-east wind patterns are also taken into account, influencing how the Pavilion is naturally ventilated and how it uses energy.

Geological Context
The architecture draws inspiration from the geological features of Mount Kailash, particularly its sedimentary rocks and granite formations. This connection to the site's geology shapes not just the look of the Pavilion but also its context, creating a structure that is meaningful in relation to the natural and historical significance of the area.

The design incorporates elements that reflect the character of the landscape, likely utilizing natural finishes and textures that echo the surrounding environment. This thoughtful approach reinforces the Pavilion's connection to its sacred site and highlights its alignment with the natural world.

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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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