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Rammed Earth Retreat with Movable Partitions and Natural Green Spaces

Author:
Sumiya Ochirbat
Rammed Earth Retreat with Movable Partitions and Natural Green Spaces

Project in-detail

A stream canal connects Lake Bezdibene to a retreat built with rammed earth and movable partitions, creating adaptable spaces for meditation and community activities amidst nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal efficiency and sustainability.
02
Movable partition boards allow for dynamic reconfiguration of interior spaces.
03
Integration of a stream canal connects the building to Lake Bezdibene.
04
A designated Green Zone promotes agricultural activities like tea tree planting.
05
Large windows create continuous visual links to the surrounding landscape.

The project titled "Close to the Sky: Retreat Back to Nature" is located in a setting that fosters a strong relationship with the natural world. It serves as a retreat designed for relaxation and mindfulness, focusing on the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The aim is to create an atmosphere where individuals can step away from their busy lives and engage with the surrounding environment.

Spatial Organization

The layout features distinct areas for different activities, including living rooms, meditation spaces, and kitchens. Each space is positioned to maximize light and views of the landscape, enhancing the overall experience for users. Large windows are key in this design, allowing nature to filter into the spaces and creating a sense of openness.

Flexible Design

Movable partition boards are a notable element in the interior design. These partitions can be adjusted vertically and horizontally, providing flexibility that allows for various uses of space. This adaptability helps create environments that can easily transition between private moments and communal gatherings. The ability to change configurations enhances how people interact with the spaces.

Natural Elements

A Green Zone within the design creates a calming area reminiscent of being near a stream. This feature plays an essential role in promoting tranquility and emphasizes the importance of the natural world. The design encourages activities like planting tea trees, integrating agricultural practices into the architecture. This connection to nature enriches the user experience and emphasizes sustainability.

Water Feature

The proposed stream canal connects Lake Bezdibene to the facility, adding a water element that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. This feature contributes to cooling the space and facilitates an engaging landscape that links the building to its surroundings. The inclusion of water creates a dynamic aspect within the overall design.

Materials used in the project include plywood, wood, metal, stone, concrete, rammed earth, and glass. These choices reflect a commitment to durability while maintaining an ecological sensitivity, ensuring that the structure serves its purpose effectively while enhancing the experience of those who use it.

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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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