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Memory-Activated Spaces with Organic Water Elements and Gears

Authors:
Hyeonuk Kim, Lee Ju Won
Memory-Activated Spaces with Organic Water Elements and Gears

Project in-detail

Activated by memory, the design integrates organic water and mechanical gears to create adaptable living and working spaces that foster emotional connections through a fluid relationship between interior and exterior environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Memory is a key element in the design, influencing the spatial experience and emotional engagement.
02
Organic water elements enhance the interaction between living spaces and nature.
03
Mechanisms like gears are incorporated to reflect the cyclical nature of memories.
04
The design blurs traditional boundaries between interior and exterior environments.
05
Phrases from users inform the spatial arrangements, emphasizing adaptability and personal connection.

The design focuses on the theme of memory and how it can be woven into living spaces. Located in an area that encourages connection, the overall plan promotes a flow between inside and outside. The spaces serve multiple purposes, including areas for living, working, and gathering. The goal is to bring memories to life through the careful arrangement of these spaces.

Conceptual Framework

The design removes strict boundaries between different areas, allowing for a natural connection between the interior and exterior environments. By combining organic forms with mechanical elements such as flowing water and gears, the architecture reflects the ongoing nature of memories. Users can move through spaces that change around them, creating a deeper connection with their environment.

Spatial Planning

The layout includes specific zones for various activities, focusing on how spaces can adapt to meet the needs of users. Phrases like “I need room” and “I want running” highlight a design that listens to individual voices and community needs. These interactive elements are key in creating areas that can change based on how people use them.

Emotional Engagement

Focusing on personal and shared memories influences how people relate to their surroundings. The design supports emotional well-being by crafting spaces that resonate with those who inhabit them. This focus brings value to both the appearance and functionality of the architecture, highlighting how memory plays a role in everyday life.

The careful manipulation of light throughout the spaces adds depth and dimension, inviting exploration and interaction. Each area reflects the nuances of memory, making the experience both engaging and meaningful.

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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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