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Reflective Water Basin and Natural Integration in Climate Awareness Space

Authors:
Arthur Vincent, Elliott Bellanger
Reflective Water Basin and Natural Integration in Climate Awareness Space

Project in-detail

Combining a reflective water basin with a corridor designed for experiential interaction, the space highlights the realities of climate change and serves as a contemplative environment for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective water basin mirrors the changing landscape.
02
Dynamic corridors allow visitors to interact with melting snow.
03
Roof design channels snow, creating a live sensory experience.
04
Materials include steel, stone, and wood for a varied atmosphere.
05
Integration with the rocky terrain enhances the environmental narrative.

MEMORIAL DE LA Civilisation is a significant response to climate change, situated in an area framed by a receding sea of ice. The design aims to engage visitors in an experience that highlights the urgency of climate awareness. It serves both as a space for contemplation and an opportunity to confront the environmental issues that affect us all.

Design Integration

The structure is carefully placed within its environment, characterized by a long corridor that draws visitors into the heart of the climate narrative. The form of the building connects harmoniously with the natural landscape, allowing it to feel like part of the scene rather than an outsider. This aspect of the design emphasizes the ongoing changes to the landscape caused by climate impacts.

Architectural Experience

As visitors proceed along the corridor, they encounter features that express the concept of melting ice. A roof made of cloth allows snow to trickle through, creating a direct interaction that conveys environmental change. This feature culminates in a curtain of water that descends on visitors, turning the pathway into an engaging experience related to the theme of transformation and loss.

Materiality

The design makes use of steel, stone, and wood to provide varied atmospheres throughout the space. The mix of these materials highlights the narrative where lasting qualities of steel contrast with the fleeting nature of melting snow and ice. These choices reflect a balance between resilience and fragility, representing the complexities of our current climate situation.

Reflective Features

At the end of the journey lies a reflective water basin that serves a significant role. It is not only visually appealing but also symbolizes the deep changes taking place in the landscape. The water, which no longer freezes, represents shifts in climate conditions. Its reflective surface invites visitors to think about the surrounding environment, while the light dancing on the water enhances the experience and underscores the intricate relationship between people and nature.

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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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