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Meandering Pathways and Insulated Stucco Create a Retreat for Reflection and Community

Authors:
James Palka, Danielle Lands
Meandering Pathways and Insulated Stucco Create a Retreat for Reflection and Community

Project in-detail

Engineered insulated stucco panels and meandering pathways define a retreat that seamlessly integrates contemplation and community, providing a serene environment for poetic reflection and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Engineered insulated stucco panels enhance thermal efficiency while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
02
Winding pathways create a dynamic flow between individual units, promoting exploration and interaction.
03
Spruce plywood interiors provide warmth and tactile comfort in public and private spaces.
04
Design incorporates areas for both contemplation and social gatherings, balancing solitude and community.
05
Natural light is maximized through strategic openings, enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment.

The Poet's Playground is an architectural retreat designed to encourage a wide range of human experiences tied to poetry. Located amid natural surroundings, it provides spaces for quiet thought, social connection, and physical activities. The design concept highlights the connection between personal reflection and communal gatherings, fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and togetherness.

Layout and Organization

The layout follows a "bracelet" scheme, linking distinct units through winding pathways. This arrangement helps guide movement, prompting visitors to explore various areas of the retreat. It invites interaction with different spaces, reflecting the changing nature of poetic thinking. The winding paths offer a blend of solitude and opportunities for socializing.

Material Selection

Materials are an important aspect of the design. Engineered insulated stucco panels offer strength and improve energy efficiency, making the retreat usable in various weather conditions. Spruce plywood interior panels create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These materials were chosen for their simplicity and ability to blend with the overall aesthetic, reinforcing the goal of elegance in design.

Spatial Dynamics

The arrangement of spaces within the retreat encourages a balance between private contemplation and group interaction. Some areas are set aside for personal reflection, providing individuals a place to engage with their thoughts. In contrast, communal spaces surrounding the fire pit are designed for gathering and sharing experiences. This thoughtful integration of spaces promotes a welcoming atmosphere for both individual and collective activities.

Natural Integration

The architecture of the Poet's Playground aligns with the surrounding environment, highlighting the connection between the building and the landscape. The careful design minimizes disruption to the natural terrain, allowing the retreat to fit comfortably within its setting. Ample natural light and expansive views enhance the interiors, inviting visitors to connect with the outdoors and supporting a reflective mood.

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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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