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Jurassic Stone and Ocracoke Plaster Shape a Sustainable Community Retreat

Author:
Sergii Kostianyi
Jurassic Stone and Ocracoke Plaster Shape a Sustainable Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed using Jurassic stone and Ocracoke plaster, the design fosters a deep connection with nature while housing communal spaces and private retreats that enhance sustainability and livability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced Jurassic stone, enhancing durability and aesthetic connection to the landscape.
02
Utilizes Ocracoke plaster for its excellent insulating properties and contemporary finish.
03
Incorporates biophilic design principles to maximize natural light and user interaction with nature.
04
Features multifunctional communal areas that encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Emphasizes sustainable building methods, including energy-efficient systems integrated into the design.

### Project Overview

The design exemplifies a contemporary response to local climatic conditions, emphasizing sustainability and the relationship between the built environment and nature. Situated on a minimum plot size of 818 m², the structure has a built-up area of 564 m² and a total volume of 576.3 m³. These metrics highlight a commitment to spaciousness and air quality, supporting occupant comfort.

### Spatial Organization

The spatial configuration promotes social interaction, centered around a patio that serves as the focal point of communal areas. Access to individual units is through a welcoming entrance hall, leading to multifunctional spaces such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen. Key features include a ground floor patio and swimming pool for outdoor activities, while private bedrooms on the second floor are designed with adjacent patios to maintain privacy and foster a connection to nature.

### Material Characteristics

The material palette reflects local traditions and modern construction techniques. Key materials include white Ocracoke for its energy efficiency, painted facade plaster for aesthetic and protective qualities, and Jurassic stone for durability and tactile connection to the landscape. Additional materials such as rubber stone, known for its shock-absorbing properties, and clay plaster, which regulates indoor humidity, emphasize a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration.

The design incorporates solar panels and energy-efficient systems to align with contemporary sustainable practices. Biophilic design principles, including strategically placed patios and water features, enhance the connection to nature, while the minimalist facade presents a coherent aesthetic focused on functionality.

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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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