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Protective Veil and Local Flora Blend in Sustainable Beekeeper Community Housing

Authors:
José Tomás Mijac Pasini, Claudia Ignacia Izquierdo Monsalve, Matías Arnaldo Zambrano Palma
Protective Veil and Local Flora Blend in Sustainable Beekeeper Community Housing

Project in-detail

A protective veil surrounds a harmonious blend of local flora and sustainable materials, creating an efficient living and working space for beekeepers dedicated to eco-friendly practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
A protective veil incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
02
Interior spaces adapt with modular furniture for flexibility in use and functionality.
03
Landscaping focuses on an array of native plants to support local pollinator biodiversity.
04
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
05
The structure’s design facilitates community engagement through shared communal areas.

### Overview

Located in Southern Chile, the Bee House is a housing initiative designed to support a community of beekeepers, integrating residential spaces with facilities for honey production and environmental education. The project emphasizes coexistence between humans and bees, providing both functional living environments and communal areas that promote ecological awareness.

### Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The layout of the Bee House is organized into distinct zones tailored for varying activities. Residential areas are designed to provide comfort and encourage social interaction, equipped with adaptable furniture to accommodate communal gatherings. The workspace section supports beekeeping and honey processing, featuring modular arrangements that ensure efficient use of space while allowing for educational workshops. Central to the design is a garden area, which serves not only as a source of biodiversity but also as a communal space promoting social cohesion among residents.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette prioritizes functionality, sustainability, and integration with the surrounding landscape. Wood serves as the primary building material, aligning with local construction practices while contributing to structural stability. A woven mesh protective veil provides safety for both residents and bees while facilitating light and air circulation. Concrete is utilized for foundational elements, ensuring durability, while glass installations enhance natural light within the living spaces. A rainwater harvesting system is incorporated into the design to promote sustainable water management, supporting both the community's needs and the surrounding ecosystem.

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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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