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Sakura Groves Framing Community Spaces with Natural Greenery

Author:
Gabriel Mascaraque navarro
Sakura Groves Framing Community Spaces with Natural Greenery

Project in-detail

Sakura trees frame a communal square that connects co-working spaces, a hostel, and an artist residence, fostering a vibrant environment focused on collaboration and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central square serves as a hub for social interaction and community events.
02
Sakura trees are strategically planted to enhance serenity and beauty.
03
The design integrates co-working areas to support local entrepreneurship.
04
Hostel and restaurant coexist, promoting local dining and accommodation.
05
An artist residence adds cultural depth to the community experience.

Opened to the Horizon is situated in a landscape that encourages community interaction and a strong connection to nature. The design focuses on creating a place for various user experiences by blending built environments with open spaces. At the heart of the design is a central square, which acts as a gathering point, guiding movement through the village and creating a harmonious relationship between public and private areas.

Central Square

The central square serves as the main feature of the design, providing a welcoming space for residents and visitors to come together. It is thoughtfully located to connect multiple facilities, which promotes easy access and fluid movement throughout the area. This square enhances social engagement and serves as a venue for community events, fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion among users.

Proposed Facilities

The design includes a diverse array of facilities that cater to the varied needs of the community. A hostel and restaurant provide both accommodation and dining options, encouraging interaction between locals and those passing through. There is also a workshop and co-working space that support creativity and collaboration. Additional features, such as an artist residence and a yoga center, highlight the importance of cultural expression and personal well-being, contributing to a well-rounded community experience.

Vegetation and Landscape Integration

Vegetation is an important aspect of the design, enhancing both the aesthetic quality and ecological value of the development. The choice of plants, including Sakura, Gleditsia triacanthos 'Skyline,' Acer rubrum, Quercus coccinea, Rhus typhina, and Syringa vulgaris, adds beauty and promotes sustainability. By integrating these natural elements into the built environment, the design encourages a sense of calm and reinforces the connection between people and nature.

Community Spaces

Additional areas, such as libraries and chill-out zones, provide space for relaxation and informal gatherings. These spaces invite occupants to enjoy quieter moments and foster personal connections. By focusing on user experience, the design creates an inclusive setting that promotes interaction and strengthens the ties within the community.

The layout features open pathways that guide people through the village and connect them with thoughtfully placed spaces that encourage exploration and engagement with both the natural surroundings and fellow community members.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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