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Rainwater Harvesting and PET Wool Insulation in a Radial Layout Music School Residence

Authors:
Maria fernanda Fracassi pietrobelli, Maria victória De oliveira penteado
Rainwater Harvesting and PET Wool Insulation in a Radial Layout Music School Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating a central Araucária and utilizing rainwater harvesting alongside PET wool insulation, the design merges environmental sensitivity with a radial layout to serve as a functional residence and music school for children.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central Araucária serves as a focal point, enhancing the connection to nature.
02
Radial layout promotes interaction between living and educational spaces.
03
Walls incorporate PET wool for thermal and acoustic insulation.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the design.
05
Outdoor patios provide interactive areas for both students and residents.

The design centers around a residence and music school for Cecília, who teaches music to children. Located in Curitiba, Brazil, the design responds to the specific challenges of the area, including its cold climate and ongoing water crisis. The layout employs a radial form to connect living and working spaces, allowing for easy movement and interaction between these different functions.

Design Concept

The layout features a radial organization, creating a relationship between the areas designated for living and working. This arrangement encourages connection while providing practical functionality. Outdoor patios are integrated into the design, offering a space to connect with nature. By including these elements, the design promotes interaction and engagement, which is particularly valuable in an educational setting.

Site Selection and Context

The chosen site is in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, a location that provides access to necessary services while maintaining a mainly residential atmosphere. Surrounding low-rise buildings help reduce noise and allow sunlight to enter the home. A prominent feature of the site is a medium-sized Araucária tree, significant both functionally and symbolically, as it connects the design to the local environment and culture.

Structural Organization

The structure incorporates two curved arch segments inspired by the shape of the Araucária and Casa Oswaldo Navarro. This choice helps to define the spaces while maintaining an organized layout. The roof is designed with beams arranged at 10-degree intervals, creating a pattern that supports the spaces below. Private and social areas are clearly distinguished, allowing for different uses without compromising flow. A defined path promotes accessibility through the home and school, guiding movement throughout the spaces.

Environmental Integration

Design strategies address local environmental challenges, focusing on thermal and acoustic comfort. The walls consist of two sheets of reforestation wood filled with PET wool, a recycled insulating material. This choice illustrates a commitment to sustainability and honors local materials. To further address water scarcity, the design includes a system to collect rainwater through the roof gutters.

A wind chime is hung near the Araucária, providing an auditory landmark that enhances the connection with nature. This detail adds an element of sensory experience to the environment while inviting interaction with the surroundings.

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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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