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Petal-Inspired Peaks Blending with Mountainous Terrain

Author:
Alejandro Carreras
Petal-Inspired Peaks Blending with Mountainous Terrain

Project in-detail

Drawing from the natural forms of flowers, the structure's petal-inspired peaks seamlessly integrate with the mountainous landscape of northern Portugal to create a functional space that emphasizes ecological harmony and local topography.
5 key facts about this project
01
Petal-inspired peaks reflect the local topography.
02
Rotated volumes create a dynamic interaction with the landscape.
03
Emphasis on ecological harmony through design choices.
04
Integrates seamlessly with the mountainous terrain of northern Portugal.
05
Focus on biophilic elements enhances user experience.

The design project is set in the mountainous landscape of northern Portugal, focusing on creating a structure that connects deeply with its natural surroundings. The main idea revolves around the concept of Ecological + Spiral = Flowers, blending elements of nature and organic forms into the built environment. This approach not only informs the aesthetic qualities of the design but also emphasizes the relationship between architecture and the local ecology.

Form and Structure
The design uses a series of volumes rotated to create a shape resembling a flower. This method promotes an engaging interaction with the landscape, allowing the building to resonate with the gentle slopes of the area. The peaks of the structure are designed to mimic the local hills, establishing a visual dialogue that reinforces the bond between the architecture and its surroundings.

Integration with Surroundings
By incorporating features of the local environment directly into the design, the building achieves a strong connection with the geography of northern Portugal. Each peak reflects the delicate forms of flower petals, drawing attention to the unique topography of the region. This relationship fosters a sense of harmony between the natural and the built, creating a welcoming space where users can feel in tune with nature.

Materiality and Sustainability
Though specific materials were not mentioned, the design hints at a focus on sustainable practices. By emphasizing forms inspired by nature, the architectural choices likely promote environmental responsibility. This approach aligns with current trends in building, where considerations for sustainability and ecological sensitivity are increasingly important.

The soft curves of the structure allow light to play across its surfaces, creating shifting patterns that change throughout the day. This quality evokes the gentle movement of flowers swaying in the wind, reinforcing the overall connection to the natural environment.

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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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