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Sensory Garden Enclosed by Circular Design Utilizing Bamboo and Natural Light For Educational Spaces

Author:
Ivan Fernando Lopez Velez
Sensory Garden Enclosed by Circular Design Utilizing Bamboo and Natural Light For Educational Spaces

Project in-detail

Bamboo accents and a circular layout define an educational environment that seamlessly integrates sensory gardens with natural light, fostering community interaction and learning.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design enhances community interaction and facilitates movement.
02
Sensory gardens incorporated for experiential learning and engagement.
03
Use of locally sourced bamboo promotes sustainability and connection to the environment.
04
Natural light maximized through strategic window placements for improved well-being.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.

**Location and Concept Overview**
Located in Ibagué, Colombia, the Sense Forest is designed as an educational and social hub that emphasizes sensory engagement and the integration of natural elements into the learning environment. By employing biophilic principles, the design aims to harmonize educational outcomes with community interaction, establishing a facility that supports both formal learning and informal social exchanges.

**Spatial Strategy and Learning Methodology**
The layout features a circular form that promotes smooth circulation and fosters interaction among users, symbolizing unity and inclusiveness. Diverse programmatic elements—such as classrooms, communal areas, and play zones—are organized within this circular layout to facilitate structured learning alongside collaborative activities. The design centers around a sensory learning methodology, targeting six senses: sight, touch, sound, smell, taste, and movement. Classrooms and activity areas are strategically placed to maximize exposure to natural light and fresh air, enhancing cognitive functions and well-being.

**Materiality and Sustainability Initiatives**
The project utilizes a range of natural and sustainable materials, including wood for structural elements, concrete for stability, and glass to increase transparency and natural lighting. Steel provides flexibility in design, while bamboo is considered for its strength and sustainability attributes. To support environmental stewardship, the plan incorporates renewable energy sources such as solar panels and water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. Extensive landscaping features green roofs and walls that enhance biodiversity and air quality, alongside outdoor spaces designed to stimulate sensory interactions through various natural elements.

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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