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Granite Stone and Earth-Clad Community Spaces in a Circular Form

Authors:
Ádám Pálvölgyi, Dániel Klenóczky
Granite Stone and Earth-Clad Community Spaces in a Circular Form

Project in-detail

Constructed with granite stone and an earth-clad roof, the circular community home promotes sustainable living while fostering connections among residents in Slovenia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced granite stone to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a self-supporting Mandala roof that maximizes natural light.
03
Circular layout encourages flexible space use and social interaction.
04
Community members actively participate in the construction process.
05
The roof is finished with a layer of earth, blending seamlessly with the landscape.

The Spirala Community Home offers a fresh take on communal living, designed to encourage interaction among residents while promoting ecological values. It sits within a landscape that highlights the beauty of nature and emphasizes sustainable practices. The structure itself reflects the ideals of the community, creating inviting spaces that foster relationships and provide practical functionality.

Community Axis

At the heart of the design is a primary axis connecting the reservoir with existing housing. This path serves as a crucial route for residents moving between the farm center and the pond. It not only facilitates access but also encourages social gatherings, making the Community Home an important focal point in daily life. The layout has been carefully considered to enhance connectivity while ensuring the site remains easy to navigate.

Adaptability and Modularity

The building features a circular shape that embodies a sense of flexibility. Composed of several similar elements, the structure can be rearranged based on changing needs. This modular design allows for adjustments in how spaces are used, catering to different activities and functions. It supports both communal and private interactions, adapting to the diverse needs of the community as they evolve over time.

Materiality and Environmental Integration

The project uses local materials to reduce its environmental impact while blending with the landscape. The walls are constructed of granite stone with plaster coverings, offering durability alongside an appealing aesthetic. Additionally, the rafters are made from nearly raw trunks that provide support while aligning with the goal of minimizing carbon emissions from transportation.

Interior Lighting and Natural Elements

The roof employs a Mandala structure, a self-supporting form that offers wide open spaces within the home. This design allows natural light to illuminate every room, creating a warm and welcoming environment. The roof is finished with a layer of earth, which helps it blend with the surrounding terrain, effectively connecting the built environment with nature.

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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

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