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Harmonious Living Among Wooden Panels and Natural Terraces

Authors:
Kateryna Vasylevska, Kateryna Denysenko, Marian Beresh, Nikolay K
Harmonious Living Among Wooden Panels and Natural Terraces

Project in-detail

Rubble stone foundations support a minimalist structure that cascades toward the lakeshore, creating a sustainable residence for two families while fostering a deep connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rubble stone foundations integrate with the landscape while preserving historical context.
02
Elevated residential block optimizes views of the lake and surrounding woodlands.
03
Reused wooden panels from the original structure enhance sustainability and continuity.
04
Natural landform serves as a gentle ramp for easy movement between spaces.
05
Glass tambour connects distinct blocks, promoting transparency and interaction with nature.

The design is situated along a lakeshore, integrating with the natural landscape. It serves as a residence for two families and emphasizes a relationship between modern living and historical influences. The concept focuses on preserving the existing foundation while expanding it to create a minimalist, one-story structure that flows toward the water. This blend of old and new fosters a welcoming environment rooted in its surroundings.

Conceptual Framework

The framework values historical connections while meeting contemporary needs. By turning the existing footprint into terraces, the design maintains a link to the land. The layout features two blocks, with one elevated to provide better views of the lake. This cascading design reflects the natural contours of the site and enhances the experience of those living in the space.

Materiality and Sustainability

Material choice is essential to the design. Wooden panels from the original structure are reused, and the foundations are made from rubble stone that has historical significance. This approach demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by incorporating existing materials into the new design while respecting the site’s past.

Environmental Considerations

The design carefully accounts for environmental factors, including sunlight and wind. The layout is planned to provide shelter in courtyards and to allow for shade during warmer days. Solar panels are placed on the southern slopes of the roof, promoting energy efficiency. This attention to environmental details contributes to a comfortable living experience.

Spatial Relationships

Within the residence, the arrangement of spaces supports interaction with nature. The design allows for movement throughout the home, with a glass tambour connecting different sections. This feature fosters engagement with the outdoors. Large windows frame views of the lake and surrounding woodlands, ensuring that nature remains a prominent aspect of daily life. Overall, the details of the design create a home that acknowledges its context while serving the needs of its occupants.

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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
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