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Organic Forms and Recycled Materials in a Self-Sustaining Community Village

Author:
Nicoletta Nowakowska
Organic Forms and Recycled Materials in a Self-Sustaining Community Village

Project in-detail

Incorporating recycled materials and organic forms, the village features a rainwater collection system that supports a community designed for artistic collaboration and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated vegetable gardens enhance food sustainability for residents.
02
The use of recycled materials, including old tires, supports ecological practices.
03
A wind turbine powers the village, emphasizing renewable energy use.
04
Design features large glazed areas for communal interaction during events.
05
No trees were removed, preserving the natural landscape throughout development.

Gaudi's Village is an architectural project inspired by the ideas of Antoni Gaudi. It is set against a natural landscape where buildings blend with their surroundings. The design includes a hostel, artists' houses, workshops, and coworking spaces. The main goal is to create a community that encourages creativity and interaction. The design approach focuses on organic shapes that connect with the natural environment.

Sustainability and Energy Use

Sustainability is a major focus of Gaudi's Village. It has an independent rainwater collection system that helps supply water to the various facilities. A wind turbine provides energy, emphasizing the project's commitment to renewable resources and reducing its environmental footprint. This focus on sustainability is evident in the design and operation of the village.

Community Spaces

The layout of Gaudi's Village emphasizes connectivity. Walking paths link different areas, making it easy for residents to move around. There are communal spaces such as an amphitheater and a dedicated yoga and meditation area. These spaces encourage people to come together, share ideas, and participate in community activities. The design invites collaboration and promotes a sense of belonging.

Natural Materials

The project uses a variety of natural materials to enhance its design. Earth, wood, glass, and old tires are incorporated into the buildings. This choice not only supports sustainability but also creates an aesthetic that feels consistent with the environment. Each material is carefully selected to contribute to the overall look and feel of the village while adhering to ecological principles.

Vegetable Gardens and Food Practices

Vegetable gardens are an important feature of Gaudi's Village. Located within the hostel and artists' houses, these gardens allow residents to grow food and engage with sustainable living. This initiative not only provides fresh produce but also fosters a sense of responsibility toward the environment. The green spaces enhance the overall atmosphere, adding beauty and functionality.

The common areas of the hostel are designed with large windows. This allows residents to see activities happening in the theater while still enjoying their own space. It creates a connection between private living and communal events, enriching the experience of living in Gaudi's Village.

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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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