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Geopolymer Monolith Designed for Introspection and Reflection

Author:
Alessandro Rigamonti
Geopolymer Monolith Designed for Introspection and Reflection

Project in-detail

A circular entrance leads into a geopolymer monolith designed to facilitate introspection, creating an intimate environment that encourages deep personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure's design prioritizes a neutral body posture for enhanced comfort.
02
The circular entrance serves as a ritualistic transition into the inner space.
03
Geopolymer concrete is utilized for both sustainability and durability.
04
The interior is designed to reduce external stimuli for better introspection.
05
The monolithic form creates a strong visual presence in its surroundings.

A primitive monolith serves as a setting for introspection and self-discovery. The design concept focuses on creating a space where individuals can distance themselves from their surroundings. Its straightforward yet meaningful form encourages visitors to engage in personal reflection, turning vast human experiences into intimate moments.

Conceptual Framework

At the core of the structure is a circular entrance that acts as both a doorway and a pivotal transition point. This entryway invites individuals to step away from the outside world and into a womb-like interior, specifically designed to diminish outside distractions. Upon entering, visitors encounter an environment that promotes internal reflection, allowing them to connect deeply with their thoughts and feelings.

Spatial Dynamics

The design emphasizes comfort by incorporating a neutral body posture. This position is the natural stance most people take in conditions of weightlessness. By prioritizing this posture, the design creates an experience of lightness, enabling individuals to feel as if they are floating. The spatial arrangement is crafted to promote relaxation, encouraging introspection and a thorough examination of the self.

Material Considerations

The structure is made from reinforced geopolymer concrete, known for its durability and sustainability. This choice of material supports a long lifespan and reduces maintenance, allowing the design to integrate well with its environment. The use of geopolymer concrete reflects a commitment to being environmentally responsible while providing strength to withstand natural forces.

In summary, the design fosters a connection between form and function, where the presence of the monolith interacts meaningfully with the landscape. As individuals navigate this space, they are enveloped by the structure and prompted to pause and reflect, engaging with their inner thoughts against the vastness that surrounds them.

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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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