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Limestone Facades and Serpent Motifs in a Creative Urban Retreat

Authors:
Affan Adil Khan, Wajiha Ali, Aliza Shah, Bisma Zia
Limestone Facades and Serpent Motifs in a Creative Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating limestone facades and serpent motifs, the retreat seamlessly integrates cultural elements and contemporary design to provide an inspiring environment for artistic creation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Limestone highlights incorporate traditional Thai motifs, linking the design to local heritage.
02
Serpent motif design elements create a visual narrative throughout the building.
03
The project utilizes split levels to foster spatial flow and user interaction.
04
Large glass facades enhance natural light and connectivity with the surrounding environment.
05
Dedicated artists' studios offer both collaborative and private spaces for creative work.

## Project Overview

The Rejuvenation Retreat is located in Bang Muang Mai, Thailand, an area that embraces the rich cultural and artistic tapestry of Bangkok. The design concept centers around the metaphor of "Snakes and Ladders," symbolizing the complexity and dynamics of urban life. This facility is crafted to provide a conducive environment for artists seeking both creative inspiration and tranquility, allowing for a unique interplay of diverse activities through an interconnected series of spaces.

## Architectural Design Elements

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The interior of the retreat features a novel spatial configuration across five levels, each serving distinct purposes. The ground and first floors are designed as public engagement areas, including exhibition spaces and communal facilities that encourage interaction among artists and visitors. Semi-private collaborative workspaces occupy the second and third floors, while the fourth and fifth floors are reserved for private artist studios and recreational amenities, including areas for games such as snooker and table tennis. This thoughtful organization enhances both social and individual pursuits.

### Materiality and Structural Integrity
The building's façade showcases a blend of limestone, glass, steel, and concrete, each chosen for its aesthetic and functional properties. Limestone is employed for intricate lamp motifs, echoing traditional Thai artistry, while glass facilitates transparency and natural light throughout the structure. The robust combination of steel and concrete underpins the design, allowing for innovative architectural expressions. The exterior is characterized by angular forms and varied textures, creating a contemporary narrative that also honors historical motifs. Incorporating large windows fosters a connection to the surroundings, enhancing the overall user experience while adapting to the local climate.

### Sustainable Design Strategies
Environmental sustainability is a key focus of the retreat's design, evidenced by careful material selection and strategies that maximize natural illumination, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This approach not only aligns with ecological considerations but also reinforces the cultural identity inherent in the local context. The integration of traditional motifs within modern elements strives to create a dialogue between past and present, exemplifying a commitment to both artistic heritage and innovative architectural practices.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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