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Meditative Spaces Framed by Natural Light and Carob Trees

Authors:
Ruoxin Tan, Jingzhi He, Jiayu Lu
Meditative Spaces Framed by Natural Light and Carob Trees

Project in-detail

Framed by carob trees and abundant natural light, the design offers a tranquil sanctuary that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carob trees are integrated into the landscape, enhancing the connection to nature.
02
Natural light is prioritized through large windows, creating bright and inviting interiors.
03
The layout distinguishes between personal and communal spaces, facilitating social interaction.
04
Courtyard gardens provide a unique outdoor experience, extending living areas into nature.
05
A swimming pool is designed to blend with the surrounding environment, promoting relaxation.

The design situated on the island of Antiparos in Greece explores themes of home and memory, influenced by historical narratives from the 1940-1941 war and events that followed. It combines private and communal spaces to create a sanctuary that meets the emotional and physical needs of its users. The overall concept emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape, resulting in an inviting and thoughtful environment.

Concept and Layout

An open layout encourages free movement and connects the interior to the outdoors. Careful spatial planning distinguishes private areas from communal ones, promoting both closeness and social interaction. This arrangement harnesses natural light effectively, filling the spaces with brightness and warmth, which contributes to a sense of well-being.

Programmatic Elements

Key components of the design include a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, courtyard gardens, and a swimming pool. Together, these elements define the concept of home as a place for refuge. The integration of gardens and the pool with the living areas creates a flow that merges indoors and outdoors. This connection enhances the occupants’ experience of nature.

Emotional and Meditative Qualities

The interplay of light and shadow has been thoughtfully designed to create a calm, meditative atmosphere. These features help create spaces that encourage relaxation and reflection. The design aims to provide safety and comfort, making it a suitable retreat for those seeking peace during challenging times.

Attention to Natural Landscape

The project places importance on the local landscape, incorporating elements like carob trees and upright palms. This connection strengthens the relationship between the building and its environment, reflecting respect for the natural surroundings and the cultural history of the area.

Large windows invite light to enter, helping to create a dynamic atmosphere within the interior. The use of natural light enhances the sensory experience, making the spaces feel alive and welcoming.

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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
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