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Louvred Hardwood Pavilion Embracing Natural Landscapes

Author:
Alan Morrissey
Louvred Hardwood Pavilion Embracing Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Constructed from hardwood timber, the pavilion features a louvred façade that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, providing an engaging space for community interaction and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed to leave no ecological footprint, using removable stakes for anchoring.
02
The louvred façade mimics natural tree formations, enhancing light and shadow play.
03
Hardwood timber strips emphasize tactile interaction and sensory engagement.
04
Designed for both public interaction and quiet contemplation, catering to diverse activities.
05
Community commitment includes planting a new tree for every tree used in construction.

The Timber Pavilion serves as an exploration of the relationship between architecture and nature, focusing on sustainability and user interaction. It is designed to fit well in both urban and rural areas, allowing for flexible use in different environments. The building is fully demountable, reusable, and recyclable, demonstrating a commitment to reducing environmental impact while providing an engaging space for visitors.

Form and Structure
The pavilion features a series of interconnected A-frames that twist and bend, following the natural shape of the land. This design allows the structure to rise to a central peak, creating a dynamic and visually interesting form. The upward movement of the A-frames enhances the feeling of openness, encouraging a connection to the sky and the surroundings.

Façade and Light Interaction
The building's façade includes louvred panels made from hardwood timber strips. These strips resemble tree trunks and leafy canopies, further connecting the structure to its natural environment. The façade allows light to filter through, creating shifting patterns of shadow and brightness inside the pavilion. As the sun moves, the interior atmosphere changes, offering a variety of experiences throughout the day.

Sustainability Measures
Designed with a focus on ecology, the Timber Pavilion uses removable stakes for anchoring, ensuring no permanent footprint is left when it is taken down. The project also supports environmental sustainability by pledging to plant a new tree for every tree used in construction. This approach aligns with modern architectural practices that emphasize care for the environment and efficient use of resources.

User Engagement
Accessibility and interaction are key elements of the pavilion's design. The layout encourages people to engage with both the space itself and the surrounding nature. Visitors can find areas for quiet reflection or lively play, making it a versatile gathering spot. The incorporation of nearby trees into the experience enhances the connection to nature.

Above, the arrangement of structural components creates a canopy effect, linking the pavilion to its environment. This feature invites the growth of plants and wildlife, enriching the experience for everyone who visits.

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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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