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Natural Stone Facades With Timber Accents Shape Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Francisca maría Ariza crespo, Salvador López serrano, José maría Calzado álvarez de lara
Natural Stone Facades With Timber Accents Shape Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating natural stone facades and timber accents, this residential design fosters a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape while providing essential communal and private living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone facades are designed to blend seamlessly with the local landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic and improve durability against weathering.
04
Internal courtyards offer private outdoor spaces for residents, promoting well-being.
05
The bent A-frame design enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the living areas.
The residential design project located in Portugal effectively combines modern architecture with traditional elements to create a harmonious living environment. The architectural design emphasizes sustainability and community integration, effectively responding to the local landscape and climate. The arrangement of volumes fosters both privacy and communal interaction, allowing residents to connect with nature and each other.

The project features a series of interconnected buildings that adhere to the site’s natural topography, enhancing the visual and functional connections between spaces. The layout includes various essential areas such as communal gathering spaces and private living quarters, promoting a balanced lifestyle that respects both individual needs and community values. Elements such as expansive glass facades maximize natural light and offer residents uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the concept of blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Materiality in this design is a key focus, exemplifying a commitment to sustainability. The use of reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, while natural stone finishes help to blend the buildings into the landscape. Timber accents provide warmth and character, and clay tile roofing preserves traditional aesthetics. This careful selection of materials contributes not only to durability but also to a unique architectural language that resonates with the local context.

Emphasis on Community Integration

The project distinguishes itself through its innovative community-oriented design. The integration of communal spaces fosters interactions among residents, facilitating a sense of belonging. Internal courtyards act as private retreats, promoting well-being and providing opportunities for outdoor engagement without sacrificing privacy. These design elements reflect a modern take on traditional village setups, where communal life and individual solitude coexist.

In addition to the arrangement of physical spaces, the project incorporates passive solar design strategies, enhancing energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This aspect underscores the architecture's responsiveness to climate considerations, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle for residents.

Architectural Elements and Functionality

Attention to architectural details is evident throughout the project. The design employs a careful balance between open and enclosed spaces, creating a fluid flow while maintaining distinct areas for different functions. The integration of materials such as glass and stone not only serves aesthetic purposes but also enhances the user experience by creating a dynamic interaction with the environment.

Architectural functionality is further supported by the distinct zoning of spaces. The upper levels feature living areas designed for sociability, while the lower floors accommodate private sleeping quarters and functional spaces, ensuring that each area serves its intended purpose effectively.

To explore the architectural designs, plans, and sections in more detail, the reader is encouraged to review the full project presentation. Such documentation provides deeper insights into the innovative architectural approaches and unique design elements that characterize this residential project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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