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Panels in Rotation with Truchet Patterns for a Sustainable Retreat

Author:
Douglas graham Drennan
Panels in Rotation with Truchet Patterns for a Sustainable Retreat

Project in-detail

With a facade defined by rotating panels in a Truchet pattern, this retreat integrates sustainability and design to create a modern living space for couples seeking tranquility away from urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facade features rotating panels that employ a Truchet tile pattern.
02
Designed to enhance natural light and ventilation through strategic cut-outs.
03
Uses aluminum for its recyclability and sustainability.
04
Curved lines create a balance of form and open space in the design.
05
Tailored as a retreat specifically for couples seeking tranquility.

The VT House serves as a retreat for couples looking to move away from busy city life. Located in a tranquil setting, the home focuses on simplicity and sustainability. The design features spaces that are both practical and visually appealing, creating an environment that supports a relaxed lifestyle.

Design Concept

The design features a unique facade made of multiple panels. Although each panel has the same basic shape, they are arranged in different orientations and have various cut-out sections. This approach creates an eye-catching rhythm across the building's surface, giving it a sense of fluidity and movement.

Facade Geometry

A Truchet tile pattern plays a crucial role in the facade's design. This pattern helps establish a series of points that are concentrated along its lines, leading to the creation of a Vornoi-Truchet (VT) panel. The densest sections of the panels align with this pattern, resulting in a complex and interesting visual texture.

Panel Configuration

The panels are arranged and rotated in increments of 90 degrees, which allows them to form a continuous facade. This setup takes advantage of the properties of the Truchet Tile, creating intricate connections among the panels that unify the overall structure. The careful placement of these elements produces a clear architectural expression.

Materiality and Sustainability

Aluminum is the primary material used for the panels, highlighting the home's commitment to sustainability. As an infinitely recyclable material, aluminum reflects a growing awareness of environmental responsibility. This choice not only enhances the facade's appearance but also emphasizes the importance of considering ecological impact in modern design.

Curves run along each facade of the VT House, introducing a thoughtful balance between solid forms and open spaces. This design allows sunlight and air to flow through, enriching the experience of the home and creating a welcoming atmosphere both inside and out.

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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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