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Polycarbonate Enclosure With Integrated Indoor Gardens Enhancing Community Well-Being

Author:
Carlo Alberto Guerriero
Polycarbonate Enclosure With Integrated Indoor Gardens Enhancing Community Well-Being

Project in-detail

A polycarbonate-clad structure incorporates indoor gardens and sustainable timber elements, creating a serene environment dedicated to meditation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Polycarbonate panels provide natural light while ensuring energy efficiency.
02
Integrated indoor gardens support biodiversity and enhance well-being.
03
Native New Zealand timber is used to develop a warm, inviting atmosphere.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems contribute to sustainable resource management.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes space while complementing the natural landscape.
SERRA is an architectural project that seamlessly integrates a meditation and gardening space, designed to foster a relationship between its inhabitants and the surrounding natural environment. Situated in New Zealand, the project emphasizes ecological sustainability and promotes an immersive experience for users. The design seeks to create a tranquil atmosphere where individuals can engage in self-reflection and connect with nature.

The primary function of SERRA is to serve as both a meditation space and a vibrant garden area, promoting activities that enhance well-being. The design incorporates various elements that cater to this purpose, such as an open layout that encourages interaction with natural surroundings. Extensive use of glazing throughout allows ample natural light and maintains visual continuity with the exterior landscape, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside.

The project is characterized by its unique design approach, which combines functionality with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Key features include:

Sustainability and Material Use
SERRA employs a thoughtful selection of materials that prioritize ecological impact. The building primarily uses polycarbonate panels for cladding, providing transparency and UV protection while enhancing energy efficiency. The wooden framework, constructed from native New Zealand timber, contributes to both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth. Additionally, features such as solar orientation and rainwater collection systems are integrated into the design to minimize environmental footprint.

Integration of Nature
A remarkable aspect of SERRA is its commitment to integrating plant life within the architecture. This is not merely decorative; the interior spaces are designed to accommodate various types of plants, enhancing ecological diversity and inviting users to engage with gardening as part of their routine. This approach bridges the gap between architecture and nature, transforming the space into an evolving ecosystem.

Flexibility and Functionality
The layout of SERRA is adaptable, allowing for multiple uses beyond meditation. Flexible spaces provide room for community gatherings, workshops, or individual retreats, catering to varying needs while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity. The design facilitates both solitary reflection and communal activities, demonstrating versatility in a compact footprint.

For further insights into SERRA, including architectural plans and sections that detail the innovative design strategies employed, we encourage exploration of the full project presentation. Understanding the architectural ideas behind SERRA can provide a comprehensive view of its functional and aesthetic significance in the context of contemporary architectural practice.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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