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Natural Materials and Open Spaces in a Community-Focused Design

Author:
Boran Hrelja
Natural Materials and Open Spaces in a Community-Focused Design

Project in-detail

Open spaces and natural materials define a community hub situated on a brownfield site, designed to foster social engagement and environmental responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community-focused design integrated into a brownfield site.
02
Use of cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles for durability and weather resistance.
04
Open areas designed to encourage social interaction and activities.
05
Natural ventilation strategies to improve indoor air quality.

The design exemplifies a thoughtful integration of community, functionality, and environmental responsibility. It is situated in a context that respects the surrounding landscape while serving as a multifunctional space that encourages social interaction. The design draws inspiration from the traditional concept of shelter, aiming to create a familiar and welcoming environment for its users.

Conceptual Framework

The project embodies a clear focus on simplicity and practicality. Clean lines and an efficient layout define the space, which maximizes open areas for community engagement. This design promotes interaction among occupants and fosters a connection with nature. It invites users to participate in outdoor activities and raises awareness of their surroundings.

Sustainable Practices

The commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the design. Choosing a brownfield site for development minimizes ecological disruption and reclaims land that has already been utilized. The location near a road belt supports the use of alternative transport options like biking, which helps reduce carbon emissions. The introduction of water-efficient landscaping further emphasizes the design’s approach to resource management, ensuring that overall water consumption remains low.

Integration with Historical Context

Attention to the historical environment is a significant aspect of the design. Its elements blend naturally into the existing setting without overshadowing its character. By arranging architectural features thoughtfully, the design strikes a balance between traditional forms and modern needs. This blend enhances the structure’s visual appeal and establishes it as an important part of the community’s story.

Environmental Quality and User Experience

Indoor environmental quality is prioritized to enhance the comfort of users. Increased ventilation and the selection of low-emitting materials create a healthier indoor atmosphere. Additionally, the tactile qualities of the materials invite engagement, providing a warm and welcoming experience.

The design incorporates large openings that allow sunlight to enter. This creates a dynamic play of light and shadow, which changes throughout the day, lending a sense of liveliness to the interior.

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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

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