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L-Shaped Limestone Structures Integrating Cross-Ventilation and Inclusive Design Principles

Authors:
Tucker Douglas, Taylor Halamka
L-Shaped Limestone Structures Integrating Cross-Ventilation and Inclusive Design Principles

Project in-detail

L-shaped buildings crafted from local limestone and timber embrace natural ventilation, creating an inviting community space centered around a vibrant plaza designed for social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates angular L-shaped buildings that enhance social connectivity while maintaining individual privacy.
02
Utilization of local limestone and timber significantly reduces the project's environmental footprint and supports regional materials.
03
Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
04
The central plaza is designed to host diverse community events, fostering engagement and interaction among residents.
05
Flexible living units allow residents to adapt spaces to their personal needs, promoting a sense of ownership and customization.
The project represents a thoughtful exploration of communal living through an architectural design that emphasizes both privacy and social engagement. The design features three L-shaped buildings arranged around a central plaza, fostering a sense of community while providing individual units that offer privacy and personal space. The architecture encapsulates the core idea of balancing solitude with community connection, serving a dual function of enhancing residential life while encouraging interaction among neighbors.

The central plaza serves as the heart of the project, designed to accommodate various communal activities and social gatherings. This space is complemented by strategically located functional areas such as a library and a chapel, catering to diverse needs and experiences within the community. By maintaining a focus on diverse interaction points, the design ensures that residents have ample opportunities for social engagement while still feeling connected to their personal lives.

Each building within the project is thoughtfully constructed using a selection of local materials that resonate with the surrounding context. Limestone, with its inherent thermal properties, is prominently used, ensuring that the design remains not only aesthetically pleasing but also efficient in energy usage. The incorporation of timber for flooring and roof framing adds warmth to the interiors, while the use of decorative tiles enhances the visual quality of individual living spaces. This commitment to local materiality not only supports regional economies but also ensures a sustainable approach to construction.

One of the notable aspects of the design is its focus on accessibility. Wide pathways and clear entrances are strategically integrated, allowing residents of all abilities to navigate the site comfortably. This attention to accessibility highlights an understanding of modern community needs, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and included within the project. Furthermore, the flexibility of the units allows residents the opportunity to adapt their homes according to their personal preferences, enhancing their sense of ownership and connection to the space.

The design also addresses environmental considerations by utilizing passive strategies, such as natural ventilation and thermal mass. Well-placed windows and openings promote cross-ventilation, contributing to year-round comfort while minimizing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Additionally, landscaped gardens featuring native vegetation enrich the environmental performance of the project, promoting biodiversity while also serving as recreational spaces for residents.

Through this comprehensive architectural design, which integrates community needs into its layout and aesthetics, the project offers a modern interpretation of living arrangements. The balance it strikes between private and communal spaces reflects an understanding of contemporary lifestyle demands, making it a relevant example of thoughtful architecture. This project invites exploration and discussion, encouraging interested parties to delve deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underpin its development. For those seeking insights into modern architectural practices, the presentation of this project serves as a valuable resource worth exploring.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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