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Repurposed Building with Open Courtyard and Uncovered Patio

Authors:
Alessandra Zaharia, Anamaria Mustata
Repurposed Building with Open Courtyard and Uncovered Patio

Project in-detail

An uncovered patio and a repurposed building create a focal point for communal interaction in a residential complex designed to enhance privacy and connectivity among its guests.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central portico connects the main structures, enhancing community interaction.
02
The design incorporates a repurposed building dedicated to wine tasting.
03
An interior courtyard maximizes natural light and airflow throughout the complex.
04
Guest houses feature unique configurations that balance privacy and accessibility.
05
Landscaping integrates pathways that link all structures while maintaining personal space.

The design features a main house and multiple guest houses, set in a carefully chosen environment that supports both privacy and community living. The overall concept is to create a strong relationship between the buildings and their natural surroundings. Each structure is arranged thoughtfully to promote interaction while still allowing for individual space. The result is a residential area that focuses on comfort and connection with the landscape.

Main House Design

The main house presents an inviting street facade that blends a modern look with a sense of warmth. This welcoming entrance allows residents and visitors to move smoothly from outdoor spaces to the home's interior. The layout is designed for practical living, with functional areas that connect easily to one another. Each space is planned to encourage natural movement, making everyday activities more enjoyable.

Site Planning

A detailed site plan lays out the placement of the main house and guest houses, ensuring they are easily accessible while maintaining privacy. The site plan, which is drawn at a scale of 1:500, shows paths and landscaping that connect each building, creating a flow throughout the property. Sections of the main house, at a scale of 1:100, illustrate the relationship between different levels and spaces, important for understanding the design's functionality.

Guest House Configuration

The guest houses are designed with attention to comfort and individual character. Each house is portrayed in plans and sections, also at a scale of 1:100. These designs aim to create personal spaces that encourage relaxation while also contributing to the community feel of the overall complex. Residents can find solitude when needed, as well as opportunities for socializing, allowing for a well-rounded living experience.

Landscape and Outdoor Spaces

One notable feature is the portico that leads to a patio, meant to serve as a central gathering place for residents. This outdoor area extends the livable space outside the main structures, encouraging interaction and enjoyment of the natural setting. The interior courtyard is another integral part of the design, letting in light and air that connects indoor and outdoor environments.

The focus on light and flow enhances the overall experience of living in this design. Moments of sunlight filtering through open spaces create a sense of warmth and comfort, accentuating the beauty of both the architecture and its surroundings.

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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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