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Reflective Pond and Clay Brick Facade Defining Modern Residential Living

Author:
Daniel Moreno Verd
Reflective Pond and Clay Brick Facade Defining Modern Residential Living

Project in-detail

A reflective pond surrounded by a facade of clay brick provides a serene backdrop for a residential living space designed to embrace both community interaction and individual adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pond enhances microclimate and provides aesthetic value.
02
Clay brick facade integrates regional materials and traditional craftsmanship.
03
Flexible interior spaces accommodate diverse living arrangements.
04
Strategically positioned landscaping promotes biodiversity and privacy.
05
Natural ventilation minimizes reliance on mechanical systems.

### Project Overview
Located in a dynamic urban environment, the design integrates contemporary architectural principles with a focus on functionality and sustainability. The intent is to forge a connection between the built structure and its natural surroundings while accommodating the diverse needs of its residents. This approach emphasizes an open layout and fluid movement throughout the space, creating a harmonious interplay between indoor and outdoor areas.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural layout centers around a prominent courtyard, which serves as a communal hub for residents. Surrounding this courtyard are distinct residential and service blocks that enhance the functionality of the project.

1. **Central Courtyard**: This feature includes a reflective pond, designed to enrich the microclimate and provide a restful environment. The surrounding landscape incorporates carefully chosen vegetation, contributing both aesthetic value and ecological benefits.

2. **Residential Block**: The living spaces prioritize flexibility, allowing for diverse configurations that accommodate both communal interaction and private moments.

3. **Service Block**: Conceived to support the residential needs discreetly, this block is strategically positioned to ensure operational efficiency without intruding on the living experience.

### Materials and Sustainability
The project utilizes a carefully curated selection of materials that prioritize sustainability while respecting local context.

- **Clay Brick**: Chosen for its thermal properties and textured aesthetic, it links the contemporary design to regional architectural practices.
- **Glass**: Used extensively in windows and interior partitions, it maximizes natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors.
- **Concrete**: Provides structural integrity and serves as a durable foundation for the overall framework.
- **Wood**: Incorporated into design details, it adds warmth and creates a tactile contrast to more rigid materials, particularly in outdoor areas.

Incorporating vegetation around the structure also plays a vital role in enhancing biodiversity and supporting sustainable practices, demonstrating a commitment to ecological considerations. The design promotes natural ventilation and daylight access, contributing to the overall efficiency of the living spaces while minimizing energy consumption.

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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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