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Hygge-Inspired Community Space with Thoughtful Circulation and Natural Light

Authors:
Madison Hart, Gabi Hines, Matthew Mollenberg, Brandon Fry
Hygge-Inspired Community Space with Thoughtful Circulation and Natural Light

Project in-detail

Incorporating hygge principles, the design emphasizes natural light and fluid circulation to create a welcoming community space that encourages both social interaction and personal retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed around hygge principles, enhancing user comfort.
02
Incorporates natural light to improve ambiance throughout the interiors.
03
Features dedicated zones for both community interaction and personal retreat.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize structural efficiency.
05
Strategically placed openings improve natural ventilation and flow.

The design creates an inclusive environment focused on user comfort and well-being. It takes inspiration from the hygge concept of Danish and Norwegian culture, which emphasizes warmth and a sense of belonging. Various functional zones support community interaction while also providing areas for personal retreat, enhancing both social connectivity and individual reflection.

Spatial Arrangement

Distinct areas are designed for specific purposes. The café acts as a social hub, welcoming visitors with its inviting atmosphere. The foyer serves as the main entry point, guiding guests into the interior spaces. Zones such as the prospect and refuge encourage both communal engagement and solitary moments, supporting a balanced experience for all users.

Movement and Access

The design carefully considers circulation paths, ensuring flow and ease of movement throughout the spaces. Open sightlines and well-placed pathways facilitate transitions, allowing visitors to move from one area to another without confusion. This approach enhances accessibility, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable exploration of the environment.

Natural Light

Natural light significantly influences the overall design. Features such as strategically placed windows and openings allow daylight to illuminate the interiors. These design choices not only promote energy efficiency but also create a pleasant atmosphere for occupants. Using passive design strategies helps integrate the architecture with its surroundings while ensuring a comfortable setting.

Environmental Connection

Attention to the geological context is evident, as the design reflects sensitivity to the surrounding landscape. Built forms interact harmoniously with natural features, enhancing the overall visual appeal. This thoughtful integration fosters a connection to the local environment and gives the design a grounded quality that resonates with users. The space encourages exploration, inviting interaction with both outdoor and indoor areas.

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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

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