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Recycled Glass Facade and Sustainable Hay Roofing Enhance Community Retreat In Natural Setting

Authors:
Syeda ruaida Islam, Rashid anjum Adil
Recycled Glass Facade and Sustainable Hay Roofing Enhance Community Retreat In Natural Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted with a facade of recycled glass and topped with traditional hay roofing, this retreat harmoniously integrates sustainable materials and community spaces, offering a serene environment for mindfulness and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs a facade of recycled glass to enhance natural light while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates traditional hay as roofing material, celebrating local building practices.
03
Features inclined glass walls that promote natural ventilation and seasonal plant growth.
04
Utilizes a blend of PET flakes for insulation, showcasing innovative recycling techniques.
05
Integrates communal spaces designed for mindfulness and community engagement throughout the layout.
The Banyan Guest House is a thoughtfully crafted architectural project located in a tranquil environment that emphasizes a seamless integration of nature and contemporary design. This guest house is designed not only as a space for accommodation but as a community-centered retreat that reflects local heritage and fosters connections among its users. It embodies the characteristics of the banyan tree, which symbolizes shelter, community, and growth in many cultures, particularly within the Indian subcontinent.

Functionally, the project serves multiple purposes: it offers a welcoming space for guests, provides areas for communal interaction, and incorporates spaces for introspection and meditation. The layout is intuitively organized to enhance visitor experiences, with dedicated zones for different activities while maintaining a holistic flow between indoor and outdoor environments. The ground floor features communal areas, such as a reception, kitchen, multipurpose rooms, and meditation spaces, encouraging interactions among guests. The first floor is designed for privacy, housing several bedrooms along with a green area dedicated to vegetable cultivation, thus promoting self-sufficiency and engagement with nature.

The architectural design emphasizes sustainable practices, demonstrated through the careful selection of materials. The use of a timber frame provides structural support while evoking warmth and a connection to traditional building practices. Additionally, materials such as recycled glass and PET flakes are employed not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their environmental advantages, reflecting an increasing awareness of ecological responsibility. The inclusion of hay as a roofing material ties the building to its agricultural context, showcasing a practical approach that honors local traditions.

Unique design approaches play a significant role in the project’s distinctiveness. One noteworthy aspect is the implementation of inclined glass walls that facilitate natural ventilation and light while supporting plant growth during the winter, drawing on greenhouse principles to enhance energy efficiency. This innovative use of materials and design extends beyond aesthetics, embodying a functional solution that aligns closely with sustainable architecture.

The architectural fragments created throughout the design establish compelling visual connections that interact thoughtfully with the surrounding landscape. The design eschews homogeneity in favor of individualized spaces that still promote a cohesive environment. This allows guests to experience an interconnectedness with both the interior and the natural surroundings, enriching the overall experience of the guest house.

The Banyan Guest House signifies more than just an architectural accomplishment; it represents a shift towards sustainable living and thoughtful design that considers community and environmental impacts. Its architecture tells a story of blending the old with the new, providing a platform for contemporary living while respecting historical and cultural contexts. For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and overall architectural designs will offer additional insights into the innovative ideas that underpin this remarkable endeavor.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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