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Geometric Patterns of Straw Beneath a Natural Wood Umbrella

Authors:
Hugo Rebelo, Francisca Penteado
Geometric Patterns of Straw Beneath a Natural Wood Umbrella

Project in-detail

Defined by a large sun umbrella constructed from straw and natural wood, the design fosters a seamless connection between interior and landscape while serving as an accessible community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Defined by a large sun umbrella made from straw, the design enhances natural light while offering shade.
02
The single-floor layout prioritizes accessibility for all users, promoting inclusivity.
03
Geometric patterns created by the straw filter sunlight, producing dynamic interior lighting.
04
Local materials were used to establish a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
The project minimizes its physical footprint to foster harmony between built and natural environments.

WOOD WAVE represents a thoughtful exploration of how architecture can connect with nature. Positioned within a landscape that showcases its natural beauty, the design focuses on accessibility while respecting the existing environment. The central concept is sustainability, using local materials and traditional building techniques within a modern framework.

Spatial Organization
The layout consists of a single floor, making it easy for all individuals to access the spaces. This arrangement encourages interaction with the surroundings and eliminates unnecessary complexity in navigation. Three distinct forms sit beneath a large sun umbrella, which serves both functional and visual purposes.

Lighting and Ventilation
The umbrella plays a significant role in the interior, filtering natural light to create a welcoming atmosphere. Straw used within the structure allows the sunlight to pass through, producing interesting patterns and shadows inside. This thoughtful approach enhances ventilation and maintains a comfortable temperature, which helps to create a pleasant environment.

Materiality
Wood and straw are the chosen materials, reflecting the commitment to sustainability. The use of locally sourced materials strengthens the connection to the site, reinforcing a sense of place. This choice is not only practical but also adds depth to the design, offering a tactile and visual relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Design Details
The umbrella structure establishes a clear boundary for the project while minimizing its physical footprint. It defines the space in a way that encourages harmony between the built environment and the natural setting. Here, light and shadow interact to create a captivating experience, highlighting the subtle beauty of both the architecture and the landscape it inhabits.

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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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