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Natural Light and User Engagement in a Sustainable Community Space

Author:
Rushabh Suchdev
Natural Light and User Engagement in a Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

By harnessing natural light through thoughtful spatial organization, the design fosters user engagement while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape to create a community gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that maximizes light penetration.
04
Strategically arranged spaces promote community interaction and engagement.
05
Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and natural elements.

The design presents a clear vision rooted in the harmony between the built environment and nature. Centered on the idea conveyed by the phrase “There will come soft rains,” the structure aims to create a peaceful atmosphere that connects with its surroundings. By focusing on natural elements, the design encourages a calming interaction with the landscape while ensuring practicality and comfort for its users.

Conceptual Framework

The main idea of the design revolves around aligning with nature's rhythms. It reflects an understanding of light, movement, and how people engage with spaces. The goal is to offer a setting that enhances the user experience through well-thought-out arrangements, allowing for a fluid experience throughout different areas of the building.

Spatial Organization

An open layout characterizes the arrangement of spaces, which promotes easy movement between functions. Distinct areas are thoughtfully placed to balance privacy with communal interaction. This organization helps users feel a sense of flow, ensuring that transitions throughout the space are both comfortable and intentional.

Environmental Consideration

Although the presentation does not detail specific materials, the design indicates a focus on sustainability. The potential use of eco-friendly options reflects the project’s commitment to being sensitive to ecological impacts. This aspect suggests an architectural approach that respects nature while still addressing aesthetic qualities and functionality.

Natural Light and Shadow

The use of light plays an essential role in shaping the experience within the space. Strategic openings allow natural light to enter, creating varying atmospheres at different times of the day. This thoughtful arrangement of light and shadow enhances the overall ambiance, encouraging a deeper connection between people and the environment around them.

As the design unfolds within its context, it invites occupants to appreciate the interplay of surrounding elements. The thoughtful integration of natural light and spatial organization contributes to an overall experience that remains grounded in the environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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