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Silence Chamber Cantilevered Over Stream with Brick and Timber Integration

Author:
Giles Reid
Silence Chamber Cantilevered Over Stream with Brick and Timber Integration

Project in-detail

A cantilevered silence chamber that extends over a stream highlights the unique integration of brick and timber, serving as a tranquil retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
A unique silence chamber cantilevered over a stream enhances tranquility.
02
Innovative use of brick and timber creates a dialogue between old and new.
03
Removal of infill walls opens the meditation space to a garden.
04
Triple-height circulation space promotes natural light and movement.
05
Flexible guest room configurations support diverse accommodation needs.

The design presents a careful integration of modern functionality within a historical structure, situated in a landscape that emphasizes a connection between built and natural environments. The overall concept focuses on preserving the original character of the building while accommodating contemporary needs. This approach creates a series of spaces that encourage both public interaction and private reflection.

Architectural Dialogue with History

The project showcases a thoughtful relationship between existing architectural elements and new construction. Original window openings and doorways have been preserved to maintain the integrity of the building's history. A new brick ring beam has been added along the top of the stone walls, reinforcing the structure’s stability. This addition supports a newly designed second-floor volume, effectively bridging the gap between historical and contemporary design elements.

Spatial Fluidity

The layout is organized to enhance both utility and aesthetic appeal. The main meditation space is located within the largest existing area, serving as a significant point for gathering and contemplation. By removing infill brick walls between existing piers, the design opens up to a south-facing garden, creating a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior. This connection allows for more natural light and encourages activities to flow outdoors during pleasant weather.

Functional Arrangement

A key feature of the layout is the triple-height circulation space, positioned over a stream, which links the different functions of the building. This central area promotes movement and engagement while creating a natural separation between private and public spaces on the ground floor. The entrance maintains a classic feel, reusing the existing doorway to enhance the overall façade without losing the building's original charm.

Innovative Living Spaces

The second floor is dedicated to guest rooms, which have been designed with both privacy and functionality in mind. A corridor adjacent to the triple-height space features windows that provide views to the east, allowing in ample light. The configuration of the rooms is flexible, accommodating various needs. Each guest room includes east-facing skylights that ensure a bright and welcoming atmosphere. A unique silence chamber, located at the upper level and cantilevered over the stream, invites quiet reflection, distinguishing it from the more active areas within the building.

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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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