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Natural Stone Foundations and Pine Wood Construction Enhancing Ecological Living Spaces

Author:
Dagmara Żurek
Natural Stone Foundations and Pine Wood Construction Enhancing Ecological Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with natural stone foundations and pine wood, the design integrates modular forms with permaculture principles to create functional living spaces that harmonize with the surrounding ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with locally sourced pine wood and natural stone, minimizing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates wood wool insulation for enhanced energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.
03
Designed with a modular layout, allowing flexible adaptation to changing community needs.
04
Features communal spaces strategically positioned to foster social interaction while preserving privacy.
05
Utilizes permaculture principles to enhance biodiversity and promote ecological health.

The Meadow Project is an architectural endeavor focused on creating a sustainable living environment that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. This project emphasizes ecological sustainability, promoting biodiversity while offering functional housing solutions. The design supports both individual living spaces and communal areas, fostering a sense of community within a natural context.

The project primarily consists of multiple hut designs, accommodating various group sizes from individuals to small families. Each hut is constructed with a modular approach, allowing for adaptability in terms of use and connection to the surrounding landscape. Natural materials are utilized extensively throughout the project, adhering to sustainable building practices. The architectural layout promotes not only functional living but also encourages engagement with the ecosystem.

Design Philosophy and Unique Approaches

A central feature of the Meadow Project is its commitment to ecological integration. The architecture does not merely exist within the landscape; it is a component of the ecosystem. The hut configurations are designed to facilitate interactions with the natural environment, allowing for views, accessibility to outdoor spaces, and minimizing disruption to local wildlife habitats. The project embraces permaculture principles, ensuring that land use aligns with natural regeneration processes.

The choice of materials reflects this philosophy. Pine wood is the primary building material, valued for its sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Natural stone and slate roofing are incorporated for their durability and thermal properties, further enhancing the energy efficiency of the structures. Insulation made from wood wool supports a reduction in energy consumption, showcasing a comprehensive design approach that prioritizes environmental considerations.

Outstanding Features of the Meadow Project

The Meadow Project is distinctive due to its commitment to fostering biodiversity through careful site planning. The landscaped areas are cultivated to support indigenous flora and fauna, promoting ecological health. The communal spaces are strategically located to encourage social interaction among residents while preserving privacy for individual dwellings.

Modular hut designs contribute to the project’s flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on community needs over time. This adaptability ensures that the architecture remains relevant and functional as demands change, an important aspect of sustainable design. The integration of outdoor communal areas encourages residents to embrace the natural environment, reinforcing the intent of the project to create a lifestyle that prioritizes ecological awareness.

Overall, the Meadow Project stands as a model of sustainable architecture that aligns human habitation with ecological responsibility. For more detailed insights into the architectural designs, plans, and sections of the project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for comprehensive information. This approach to understanding the integration of architecture and landscape will provide deeper understanding of the design’s intent and outcomes.

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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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