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Permeable Jute Bags Create Unique Forest Gathering Space

Authors:
Niklavs Krievs, Ramon Cordova
Permeable Jute Bags Create Unique Forest Gathering Space
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Using permeable jute bags to define seating and gathering areas, the design integrates a temporary food court into a forest setting, promoting community interaction while respecting the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Soil bags serve as seating and landscape elements, enhancing ecological integration.
02
Distinct zones are created for queuing, catering, and storage using foldable stalls.
03
The design allows for spontaneous plant growth through permeable jute bags.
04
The food court concept promotes community interaction within a forest environment.
05
Foundations from previous structures are reused to define the space, maximizing functionality.

The design creates a temporary food court set within an existing forest for the Sansusi Festival. By using a forest path as the main organizing feature, various functional spaces are arranged in harmony with nature. The goal is to encourage interaction among visitors while maintaining respect for the surrounding environment.

Site Organization

Soil-filled bags are arranged thoughtfully to define different seating areas within the food court. This setup allows visitors to engage with one another, enhancing the communal atmosphere. By extending seating along former foundations, the design uses the available space effectively, accommodating more attendees while blending human activity into the natural setting.

Functional Zoning

Within the food court, distinct zones have been created for queuing, catering, and storage. These functional spaces are marked by foldable wooden food stalls, which provide necessary shelter for caterers during the festival. The capability to easily set up and dismantle these structures promotes adaptability for future events and various uses.

Material and Sustainability

Sustainability plays an important role in the design, highlighted through the use of specific materials. Woven natural jute bags and naturally waxed cotton canvas figure prominently. The jute bags are permeable, allowing water and greenery to connect with the forest ecosystem. The waxed cotton canvas delivers waterproofing, ensuring food preparation areas stay functional despite changing weather conditions.

Ecosystem Integration

A key aspect of the design involves the future of the soil bags, which may become a forest garden after the event. Seeds mixed with the soil will promote growth through the jute bags, leading to a transformed landscape over time. This forward-thinking approach supports the ecological integrity of the site and reinforces a positive relationship with nature.

The arrangement of soil-filled bags creates a welcoming seating area that harmonizes with the organic forms of the forest. This simple yet effective solution provides a unique experience for visitors while respecting the natural landscape.

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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.

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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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