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Hay-Built Structure Embracing Nature with Zen Gardens and Cork Features

Authors:
Wiktoria Ciszak, Michalina Linkowska, Karolina Kozłowska
Hay-Built Structure Embracing Nature with Zen Gardens and Cork Features

Project in-detail

Constructed with hay and highlighted by serene zen gardens, the design emphasizes accessibility and communal interaction while providing a space for wellness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with hay, enhancing insulation properties.
02
Features interconnected zen gardens promoting mindfulness and relaxation.
03
All facilities are barrier-free for improved accessibility.
04
A pond collects rainwater for irrigation, integrating sustainability.
05
Adjacent vegetable garden supports self-sufficiency and local food production.

The design is located in a setting that reflects the traditional architecture of Portuguese towns, focusing on the blending of nature and built spaces. It aims to provide a welcoming environment that supports accessibility, sustainability, and community. The intent is to create areas where individuals can find both solitude and opportunities for social interaction. The overall concept is centered around engaging users with their surroundings while strengthening social bonds.

Zen Gardens

Zen gardens are integrated along the pathways that lead to the main complex. These gardens offer peaceful spots where visitors can sit in hammocks or on benches. The arrangement is designed to encourage relaxation and a deep connection with the natural environment. They serve as spaces for quiet reflection amidst the bustle of daily life.

Accessibility Features

A strong commitment to accessibility is a key feature of the design. Facilities are produced without barriers, including wide corridors and level entries that cater to individuals with mobility challenges. This approach ensures that everyone can comfortably navigate the space. The focus on inclusivity is evident throughout the design.

Social Interaction

The design emphasizes social spaces, particularly in the kitchen and dining area. The long dining table promotes a sense of community, inviting users to share meals and experiences together. This area serves not only as a place to eat but also as a venue for gathering and engagement. Additionally, the multi-relaxation room can be adapted for various activities, further fostering connections among visitors.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design. A vegetable garden placed near the kitchen allows users to connect with the source of their food, promoting self-sufficiency. Furthermore, a pond is thoughtfully included within the landscape, serving as both a visual feature and a way to collect rainwater for irrigation. This combination enhances the ecological responsibility of the overall design.

Throughout the project, careful attention is given to the use of natural elements and locally sourced materials. Stone, wood, and clay are selected to resonate with the surroundings. The intention is to create spaces that blend with nature while providing comfortable areas for reflection and connection. The design facilitates an immersive experience, allowing users to engage meaningfully with both the architecture and the landscape.

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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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