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Restoring Heritage with Timber and Straw: A Sustainable Community Focus

Authors:
Eliza Voiculescu, Ana-maria Avramescu, Ruxandra Lupu, Alexandru-bogdan Ferent
Restoring Heritage with Timber and Straw: A Sustainable Community Focus

Project in-detail

Employing timber and straw insulation, the project enhances community interaction while preserving historical structures, creating a sustainable environment for family-centered living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Part of the design preserves original historical structures.
02
Use of straw insulation enhances energy efficiency.
03
Rainwater collection is facilitated by metal chains.
04
Platform extensions connect living spaces to natural environments.
05
Placement of a schinkel on the roof supports local bat habitats.

The architectural design project titled "Linkage" is situated in an area that highlights the importance of community and sustainable living. The design aims to foster connections among residents by creating pathways that blend with the existing buildings. It focuses on preserving historical structures while incorporating new features that meet modern needs and support environmentally friendly practices.

Preservation of Heritage

Central to the design is the effort to keep parts of the existing houses intact. This not only honors the cultural history of the site but also creates a connection between the past and the present. By maintaining these historical elements, the design fosters a sense of identity within the community, ensuring that history is woven into the fabric of future developments.

Sustainability in Design

The project prioritizes sustainability as a key factor in its development. The wall system uses a timber frame, providing durability and flexibility in design. Straw thermal insulation is utilized to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss. Rainwater management is handled with the inclusion of metal chains, which help collect and reuse water, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to environmental care.

Integration with Nature

Connecting the design with the surrounding natural environment is another significant focus. The platforms are designed to extend towards the nearby natural areas and a lake, allowing for an easy transition between the built and natural spaces. Additionally, placing the schinkel on the roof encourages the movement of bats, showing consideration for local wildlife and promoting ecological balance.

Cultural Relevance

Key features such as a preparation area for natural paints and the preservation of an original stone well emphasize local traditions and ecological awareness. These elements enrich the project by combining practical uses with cultural significance, enhancing the sense of community identity and shared experiences.

The design demonstrates a careful balance between keeping the historical context and encouraging community interaction. The thoughtful incorporation of pathways and natural features creates an environment that invites engagement and appreciation of both the past and the surrounding 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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