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Microclimates Created With Reinforced Concrete And Natural Stone For A Living Ecosystem

Authors:
Matias fidel Moyano, Julieta Derdoy
Microclimates Created With Reinforced Concrete And Natural Stone For A Living Ecosystem

Project in-detail

Featuring meticulously crafted microhabitats and an innovative use of reinforced concrete and natural stone, the design creates a functional greenhouse that nurtures biodiversity and human interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes reinforced concrete for durability while promoting sustainable practices.
02
Incorporates natural stone pathways designed for optimal drainage and plant health.
03
Features expansive glass panels to maximize natural light and enhance visibility of plant life.
04
Includes multiple microclimates tailored to support diverse flora within a single ecosystem.
05
Employs timber elements to introduce warmth and a natural aesthetic to the interior spaces.

### Overview

Located within a designated ecological zone, the project occupies an area of 600 square meters and serves as a habitat for a diverse range of plant species. The intent is to create a space that fosters interaction between humans and the surrounding flora, providing opportunities for observation, reflection, and engagement in this vibrant ecosystem. This design reinterprets the concept of a living space by promoting a symbiotic relationship between built form and biodiversity.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is designed to facilitate exploration and movement through a series of interconnected open spaces that encourage interaction with both planted and cultivated areas. Natural paths weave through designated zones that cater to distinct plant habitats, emphasizing fluidity while ensuring that the architectural presence is unobtrusive. Curvilinear forms mimic natural landscapes, enhancing the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces and offering a cohesive sensory experience within the environment.

### Material Choices

The material palette is carefully selected to reflect ecological sustainability and enhance user experience. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while its raw finish aligns with the overall natural aesthetic. Natural stone is utilized for flooring and pathways, promoting effective drainage and a tactile connection to the environment. Expansive glass panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light, offering uninterrupted views of the landscape. Metal frameworks serve both structural and decorative purposes, while timber elements introduce warmth and a natural quality to the interior spaces.

The design incorporates microclimates to support a variety of plant ecosystems and features interactive zones that encourage visitor engagement with the flora. This adaptability to environmental changes highlights the project’s commitment to sustainability and resilience in architectural practice.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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