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Natural Light and Tatami: A Sustainable Space Integrating Brick and Greenery

Authors:
Rossana Cinquegrana, Dorin Rossi, Dorin Rossi
Natural Light and Tatami: A Sustainable Space Integrating Brick and Greenery

Project in-detail

Incorporating tatami and abundant natural light, the design seamlessly integrates brick and greenery to foster a multi-purpose space for community engagement and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes tatami matting to enhance indoor user experience and cultural significance.
02
Integrates a variety of local flora in an inner garden, promoting biodiversity.
03
Features a sustainable brick façade that minimizes environmental impact.
04
Maximizes natural light through strategic placement of light glass elements.
05
Facilitates community interaction with designated open areas for gatherings.

## Overview

"Breathing Space" is an architectural project situated in an urban context that emphasizes the integration of natural elements with built environments. The intent is to foster emotional connections between users and their surroundings, while promoting mental well-being through deliberate spatial interactions. The design prioritizes the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitating moments of introspection and community engagement.

### Spatial Planning and User Experience

The architectural layout is carefully organized to enhance user interaction while providing areas for contemplation. Key facilities include a library, dining area, and therapy spaces, all arranged to encourage collaboration as well as individual reflection. The rooftop provides an elevated garden space, serving as a tranquil retreat and visual extension of the indoor environment. This strategic spatial organization is aimed at creating a sense of belonging for users.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials to achieve both aesthetic coherence and psychological comfort. Externally, a combination of brick and white walls provides a contemporary contrast, while light glass ensures transparency and maximizes natural light. Internally, oak, tatami, ceramic, plaster, and resin contribute to a calming atmosphere. The incorporation of local materials and green technologies demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, reflecting best practices in environmentally conscious design. Additionally, the landscape design utilizes native flora to foster biodiversity and enhance the sensory experience of outdoor spaces.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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