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Grotto-Inspired Spaces with Irregular Stone Integration

Authors:
Jingyang Huang, Yu zhou Tong, Zeng jian Wei, Dan Liang
Grotto-Inspired Spaces with Irregular Stone Integration

Project in-detail

Irregular stone formations shape a series of grotto-inspired spaces designed for artists, creating a harmonious setting that fosters both creativity and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Irregular stone forms create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
02
Grotto-inspired design fosters a unique artistic atmosphere that encourages creativity.
03
Dedicated areas for both private reflection and communal engagement support diverse user needs.
04
Sustainable features include a rainwater collection system for enhanced self-sufficiency.
05
The layout utilizes natural contour lines to enhance spatial dynamics and user experience.

The design integrates with its environment, situated in a landscape of rolling hills. It serves as a hub for artists, featuring a range of spaces for work, living, and community interaction. The concept is based on interpreting the shapes of the land, translating these contours into a layout that encourages both collaboration and quiet focus.

Site Integration

It relates closely to the natural landscape by arranging multistory buildings to follow the terrain. This thoughtful placement respects the site, enhancing its natural beauty and ecology. The design creates a connection between the built and natural elements, promoting a sense of cohesion across the site.

Functional Diversity

The layout includes both a main entrance and a service entrance to manage circulation effectively. Areas for artistic work are complemented by a hostel offering two types of accommodations. Four-person suites support privacy, while eight-person suites encourage social connections. This variety ensures that the needs of all users are met, balancing individuality with community.

Lighting Strategy

A well-planned lighting arrangement enhances the building’s character. Using linear and point light sources, it highlights the structure’s layers, creating depth in the space. This approach makes interior areas feel more open while establishing a pleasant atmosphere, both during the day and night.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is a significant focus, seen in features like a planted roof that provides insulation and a system for collecting rainwater. These elements reduce energy use and support self-sufficiency. They highlight a commitment to responsible design throughout the project.

Natural light filters through the spaces, casting changing patterns that bring the interiors to life. This dynamic interaction enriches the experience of being within the building, inviting users to engage with their surroundings.

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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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