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Rainwater Nourished Spaces Harmonizing Wood and Nature

Authors:
Michele Piccolo, Domenico Falci
Rainwater Nourished Spaces Harmonizing Wood and Nature

Project in-detail

The integration of rainwater collection systems and eco-sustainable materials defines a structure that harmonizes with its forested surroundings, creating a tranquil environment for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lotus flower-inspired design reflects themes of renewal and growth.
02
Integrated rainwater collection systems nourish surrounding vegetation.
03
Construction utilizes eco-sustainable materials for minimal ecological impact.
04
Pathways connect outdoor meditation spaces with natural landscapes.
05
Elevated structure enhances light and openness within the interior.

DOMUS LOTI is a unique structure situated in a wooded area, designed to enhance the connection between people and nature. Functioning as a Yoga House, it reflects themes of growth and renewal, inspired by the lotus flower. The building tells a story of life's cycles through its thoughtful design, aiming to create harmony for those who use it.

Architecture Concept

The concept behind DOMUS LOTI focuses on the bond between humans and their environment. The Yoga House symbolizes both aspiration and enlightenment, rising above its surroundings. Its elevated design mirrors the journey of the lotus flower, which grows from the depths of mud to bloom on the surface of water. This idea invites people to contemplate nature’s cycles and their own relationship with the world around them.

Spatial Organization

The layout features four distinct spaces that work together with the landscape. These areas connect through paths and green spaces, encouraging outdoor meditation and reflection. Such organization promotes interaction with nature and supports well-being for those inside. Each path leads to a different experience, creating a flow that feels natural and inviting, like wandering through a garden.

Materiality and Sustainability

Wood and other eco-sustainable materials are integral to DOMUS LOTI. These choices ground the structure in its environment while maintaining a low ecological impact. The materials used play a key role in both the look and function of the building. They help create a warm, comforting atmosphere, reinforcing the link between the architecture and nature.

Innovative Design Details

Rainwater collection systems enhance the structure's sustainability by feeding local plants. This feature fosters a cooperative relationship between the architecture and the surrounding ecosystem. Inside, natural light flows through large openings, promoting a bright, airy feel. This interaction with light and nature makes the space feel alive, allowing occupants to experience a sense of calm and connection, both with themselves and the environment around them.

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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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