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Hillside Residence Featuring Integrative Use of Local Stone and Expansive Glass Facades

Author:
James Brian Baron
Hillside Residence Featuring Integrative Use of Local Stone and Expansive Glass Facades

Project in-detail

Utilizing regional stone and expansive glass facades, the residence enhances its hillside setting while prioritizing wellness through strategically placed spa amenities and integrated outdoor spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing to enhance natural light and panoramic views.
02
Incorporates locally sourced stone to create a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
Features dedicated wellness spaces, including a private spa area designed for relaxation.
04
Integrates an infinity pool that visually merges with the hillside, enhancing aesthetic appeal.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation and energy efficiency through innovative insulation methods.

### Project Overview

Located on a hillside, this residential accommodation designed by Baron + Baron Architects spans 700 square meters and adopts a modernist approach that harmonizes with the natural landscape. The design intent emphasizes creating a living environment tailored for upscale living while promoting wellness and tranquility. The residence seeks to establish a calm sanctuary that offers respite from urban life.

### Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The architectural design effectively utilizes the site's topography, resulting in a building form that aligns with the contours of the hillside. This approach facilitates a clear interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall user experience. The layout is organized across three levels: the upper ground, lower ground, and first floor. The upper ground features open-plan living areas that encourage social interaction, seamlessly connecting with outdoor terraces through extensive glazing. In contrast, the lower ground incorporates private facilities, including bedrooms and wellness amenities, strategically positioned to provide a sense of retreat. The first floor includes an expansive terrace, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials is integral to the project's identity, reflecting both aesthetic and ecological considerations. Local stone forms the exterior walls, establishing a strong connection to the environment. Exposed concrete contributes to the structure's modern character while promoting sustainability. Extensive use of floor-to-ceiling glass allows natural light to permeate interior spaces, fostering a connection to the outdoors. Natural wood finishes add warmth and texture, creating inviting interiors. Specialized materials for the infinity pool enhance durability while harmonizing with the landscape. The overall material palette and sustainable construction practices underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility, minimizing the carbon footprint and reinforcing a sense of place.

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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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