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Raw Earth Arches Create A Harmonious Space In A Historic Landscape

Authors:
Giulio Pacente, Ida giulia Presta, Marianna Miele, Vito domenico Porcari
Raw Earth Arches Create A Harmonious Space In A Historic Landscape

Project in-detail

Raw earth arches rise from the historic landscape of Matera, creating a versatile pavilion designed for outdoor exhibitions that seamlessly blends with its cultural context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Raw earth arches provide structural support and unique aesthetic appeal.
02
The pavilion spans 50 square meters, designed for flexible outdoor exhibitions.
03
It engages with the historic geology of Matera, including potential cave integration.
04
Sustainable building practices are emphasized through the use of local materials.
05
The fluid design promotes a connection between architecture and the surrounding landscape.

The mateRAmmed Pavilion is located in the historic landscape of Matera, close to the UNESCO heritage site of the Sassi of Matera. It serves as a flexible space for outdoor exhibitions and aims to connect with its surroundings while honoring the area's cultural history. The design focuses on raw earth arches, which enhance the structure's functionality and create a look that fits well with the natural and historical context of the site.

Design Concept

Raw earth arches are a key feature of the pavilion, adding both structural support and visual interest. These arches reflect traditional building methods found locally, creating a natural link to the surrounding environment. This design promotes flexibility, allowing the 50 square meter space to host a variety of activities and events.

Materials

The main material used in the pavilion is raw earth. This choice represents a dedication to environmental sustainability. By using locally sourced materials, the pavilion reduces its ecological impact and blends into its natural surroundings. The properties of earth help regulate temperature within the space, making it comfortable while also cutting down on energy use.

Relationship with Site

The placement of the pavilion is intended to engage with the region’s geological features. Future plans include the possibility of building the structure above an underground cave, which is typical for the Matera area. This approach recognizes the deep history of the site, highlighting the connection between the architecture above ground and the historical elements beneath.

Architectural Form

The pavilion features a flowing design that reflects an approach to organic architecture. Its arches create an open and inviting environment for visitors. The soft lines and spacious layout encourage a sense of connection with both the building and the landscape. Through careful attention to form and function, the pavilion blends practical uses with respect for the surrounding cultural and natural heritage.

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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

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