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Reclaimed Wood Pavilion With Integrated Insect Habitats Amidst Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Ana Tevzadze, Nodar Dekanosidze
Reclaimed Wood Pavilion With Integrated Insect Habitats Amidst Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Integrated insect habitats formed within a reclaimed wood pavilion create a sustainable environment that fosters biodiversity, offering a space for reflection and education on the importance of pollinators.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed wood panels from local sources enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
02
Housing specific insect hotels supports diverse pollinator species directly on-site.
03
A cylindrical shape facilitates wind resistance while blending with natural surroundings.
04
Wildflower plantings surrounding the pavilion attract and sustain local pollinators.
05
Integrated natural light features minimize energy consumption and enhance visitor experience.

## Project Overview
Vivum Sanctum is a pavilion and sanctuary for insects located in Val di Funes, Trentino. Intended as a shelter and educational facility, the design addresses the urgent environmental issues related to urbanization and climate change, emphasizing the vital role of pollinators in ecosystems. The pavilion serves not only as a functional space but also as a symbolic structure that encourages visitors to contemplate their relationship with the natural world.

## Design Implications
### Habitat and Education
The pavilion is specifically designed to provide habitats for a variety of beneficial insects while simultaneously functioning as an educational tool. Features such as "insect hotels" equipped with bamboo sticks, hollow logs, and dried grasses support biodiversity, enabling different species to thrive. The structure also integrates wildflower plantings to enhance the local ecosystem and promote pollinator activity.

### Materiality and Structure
The architectural framework consists of reused wooden panels that reflect an emphasis on sustainability while minimizing environmental impact. A secondary metal structure and a central steel column provide structural integrity and stability. The cylindrical form of the pavilion not only contributes to its visual harmony with the landscape but also facilitates natural light through strategically placed openings, enhancing user experience and fostering a connection to the surrounding environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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