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Grotto-Inspired Residences Featuring Natural Stone and Green Roof Integration for Artists' Retreat

Authors:
Jingyang Huang, Yu zhou Tong, Zeng jian Wei, Dan Liang
Grotto-Inspired Residences Featuring Natural Stone and Green Roof Integration for Artists' Retreat

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms reminiscent of natural grottos merge with local stone and sustainable green roofs to create a contemplative retreat for artists, fostering creativity in an immersive natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Grotto-inspired design creates organic, flowing forms that blend with the landscape.
02
Natural stone cladding enhances durability while maintaining a connection to the earth.
03
Green roofs contribute to insulation and promote local biodiversity.
04
Strategic placement of outdoor spaces encourages interaction with the surrounding terrain.
05
Interior layouts feature flexible spaces tailored for diverse artistic practices.
The Gaudi La Coma Artists' Residences project is situated in a diverse landscape, designed to support artistic innovation through a harmonious relationship with its surroundings. The architectural design utilizes contours of the terrain as a foundational element, reflecting the inspiration drawn from Antoni Gaudí's work. The residences not only serve as living and working spaces for artists but also aim to create a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and connection with nature.

The primary function of the project is to provide a retreat for artists, featuring studios, living quarters, and communal areas that encourage both solitude and engagement. The layout is thoughtfully organized, allowing for an interactive experience while ensuring privacy in residence areas. The design focuses on enhancing the creative process by emphasizing natural light and views of the landscape, making the spaces conducive to artistic endeavors.

Materiality plays a critical role in this project. Concrete forms the structural basis, shaped to follow the landscape's contours. Natural stone cladding is used to connect the buildings visually and physically with the surrounding earth. This choice of materials not only serves practical purposes but also aligns the architecture with the geography, creating a persistent interplay between built and natural environments. Wood and glass are integrated into the design to provide warmth and luminosity, further enhancing the user experience.

The unique design approaches distinguish this project from others. One notable aspect is its grotto-inspired aesthetics, creating organic forms that seamlessly blend with the environment. Sustainable practices are embedded within the architecture, including green roofs that offer insulation benefits and promote local flora. The dynamic circulation paths are designed to guide visitors and residents through varied experiences without disrupting the privacy of individual artist studios.

Another unique feature is the strategic placement of outdoor spaces, which are meticulously designed to encourage interaction with the site's topography. The gardens and terraces are incorporated as integral components of the overall design, allowing artists to draw inspiration from their immediate natural surroundings. Daylight harvesting techniques enhance interior environments, ensuring optimal lighting conditions throughout the day.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and spatial organization present in the Gaudi La Coma Artists' Residences, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs will provide additional insight into this thoughtful and sustainable project. Explore the presentation to fully appreciate the design outcomes and their implications for modern architecture.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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