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Mosaic Tiles and Spiral Seating Forms a Living Community in Nature

Author:
Dilber Uğur
Mosaic Tiles and Spiral Seating Forms a Living Community in Nature

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a dynamic design that integrates mosaic tiles and a long spiral seating bench, the building creates a harmonious community environment centered around flexible living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasizes a fluid transition from solid to organic forms throughout the design.
02
Incorporates mosaic tiles inspired by traditional techniques for added texture.
03
Features a long spiral seating bench that connects the building to its landscape.
04
Focuses on open and adaptable living spaces for communal engagement.
05
Draws on Gaudí’s architectural principles to create a harmonious relationship with nature.

The architectural design draws inspiration from the works of Antoni Gaudí, incorporating solid and organic forms within its environment. Located in a setting that promotes a connection with nature, the building serves as both a main structure and a hostel. The overall design emphasizes adaptability, fluidity, and a sense of harmony with the landscape.

Design Concept

The central idea revolves around transitioning from traditional solid forms to shapes resembling those found in nature. The main building features a dynamic design, with a rectangular base that stretches, changes, and curls. This combination of forms highlights Gaudí's approach of blending structural strength with visual appeal. The design encourages occupants to interact with the environment in ways that go beyond conventional architectural boundaries.

Spatial Configuration

The hostel’s layout further illustrates the project's key ideas by moving away from typical room configurations. By eliminating the usual enclosure for individual rooms, the design creates a more open and flexible space. This arrangement allows for various uses and fosters collaboration among residents. Without rigid divisions, the space promotes a community-oriented living experience, reflecting modern trends in shared environments.

Materials and Aesthetic Elements

In line with Gaudí’s practices, the project includes specific materials that enhance its visual character. Mosaic tiles are used to add texture, drawing from traditional decorative styles. A long spiral seating bench is integrated into the landscape, establishing a link between the built environment and nature. These features contribute to a user-friendly experience and tie into the overall story conveyed by the building.

Key Concepts in Architectural Expression

Key ideas such as stretch, deformation, curling, adaptation, harmony, and integration deepen the relationship between structure and space. Each concept plays a role in responding to both the needs of people and the surrounding ecology. By focusing on organic forms and open layouts, the design contributes to ongoing discussions regarding sustainable architecture.

Light and shadow play across the surfaces, enhancing the building's forms and revealing the intricate patterns of the mosaic tiles. These elements invite exploration and reflection, enriching the experience within the spaces.

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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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