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Pyramidal Timber Structure Emphasizing Natural Ventilation and Community Interaction

Authors:
Carrie Jim, Jessica Moon
Pyramidal Timber Structure Emphasizing Natural Ventilation and Community Interaction

Project in-detail

The pyramidal structure, constructed from timber, maximizes natural ventilation while fostering community interaction through thoughtfully integrated communal spaces in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pyramidal structure enhances natural airflow throughout living spaces.
02
Timber construction reflects a commitment to sustainability and ecological design.
03
Modular units can be interconnected to accommodate various household types.
04
Communal spaces are integrated to foster social interaction among residents.
05
Design optimizes for climate responsiveness in Sydney's warm environment.

Pyrahomes is a residential development located in Sydney, Australia, designed to meet the needs of a growing urban population. The project emphasizes flexible living solutions that not only accommodate various household types but also encourage community living. By adopting a pyramidal design, it offers an innovative response to the challenges of high-density urban environments while promoting sustainability.

Architectural Concept

The design features a pyramidal structure that can easily adjust to different configurations of residential units. It combines both single and double modules, enabling them to connect seamlessly. This flexibility is crucial in urban settings where the demand for housing is increasing. The project takes traditional housing forms and reinterprets them, fitting them into a modern context that balances individual privacy with shared communal areas.

Spatial Efficiency

The layout of Pyrahomes is designed for maximum efficiency, utilizing space in a way that enhances functionality. It incorporates natural ventilation and energy-saving features into the overall design. With a traditional layout of four walls and a pitched roof, the project maintains comfort while addressing urban density issues. The structure makes effective use of available space, ensuring that each unit serves the needs of its residents.

Communal Spaces

An important element of Pyrahomes is the inclusion of communal areas that encourage social interaction. These spaces are more than just functional; they are places where residents can engage with one another. Options for indoor and outdoor activities, like swimming pools and BBQ areas, promote a strong community atmosphere. The thoughtful placement of these shared spaces enhances the living experience, making them integral to the overall design.

Materiality

Timber is the key material used in constructing Pyrahomes, reflecting a commitment to sustainable building practices. It helps to reduce the environmental impact of the project while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of timber also aligns well with the architectural style, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the structures.

The triangular shape of the buildings aids in natural cooling, making the living spaces comfortable in Sydney's warm climate. This thoughtful approach to design not only meets the needs of residents but also enhances the visual appeal of the development.

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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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