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Nature-Inspired Design with Human-Made Features Emphasizing Open and Closed Spaces

Authors:
Sam Monfared masoumi, Mohammad Beiglari
Nature-Inspired Design with Human-Made Features Emphasizing Open and Closed Spaces

Project in-detail

With a thoughtful interplay of natural and human-made elements, the design emphasizes a balance between open and closed spaces, creating a reflective environment tailored for meditation and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation-inspired design integrates natural and human-made elements.
02
Flexible open and closed spaces encourage user reflection and interaction.
03
Bent A-frame structure enhances spatial dynamics and aesthetic flow.
04
Use of charred wooden shingles promotes sustainability and durability.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural stability while reducing weight.

The architectural design project titled "Meditation Subtract" presents a clear examination of contrasts within the built environment. Located in an area where natural and human-made forms meet, the design focuses on the relationship between openness and enclosure. By doing so, it aims to create a space that encourages reflection and interaction, prompting users to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

Conceptual Framework
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The project distinguishes between "House," a symbol of human habitation, and "Nature made," which highlights elements shaped by the environment. This relationship promotes a balance between built spaces and their natural counterparts. The inclusion of elements like "Open" and "Close" sheds light on different levels of accessibility in architecture, prompting thoughts on how people experience movement through these spaces.

Spatial Dynamics
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Terminologies such as "Unlimited" and "Limited" emphasize the range of possibilities and constraints within architectural design. This distinction encourages a closer look at how buildings can blend imaginative ideas with practical requirements. The contrasting concepts of "Empty" and "Mass" also reveal an important conversation about the role of voids in design. These considerations allow for a richer understanding of how physical spaces can impact people's experiences within them.

Experience of Place
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The focus on "Space" and "Place" invites exploration of the relationship between structures and their geographical context. A building’s setting can greatly affect user experience and aesthetic appeal. Understanding this connection encourages architects to think about how existing landscapes shape their designs, leading to more thoughtful and cohesive architectural expressions.

Material Expression
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While specific materials are not mentioned in the text, the language suggests intentional choices that create a dialogue between natural and human-made features. The design aims for a response to the environment that feels respectful and purposeful. This fosters a connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape, allowing a smoother transition between them.

As natural light filters through, it defines areas that bring a sense of calm, emphasizing the bond between the built environment and the natural world.

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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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