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Solar Chimney and Recycled Wood Create Biophilic Microhome Experience

Author:
Aphrodite Knoop
Solar Chimney and Recycled Wood Create Biophilic Microhome Experience
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A solar chimney combined with recycled wood components allows for passive cooling and natural ventilation in a microhome designed to enhance connection with nature while providing efficient living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
A southern-facing glass wall serves as a solar chimney for natural ventilation.
02
The structure features recycled wood and wood-plastic composites in its exterior.
03
Modular design allows for various configurations to adapt to occupant needs.
04
The building integrates passive heating and cooling without mechanical systems.
05
Biophilic elements encourage natural interaction with the surrounding environment.

The Adaptation House serves as a thoughtful response to the demands of urban living, aiming to maximize space while prioritizing sustainability. Located in densely populated areas, the design emphasizes modularity and flexibility, allowing it to fit snugly into urban contexts. Its overall intent is to forge connections between residents, their community, and the natural environment.

Modularity and Flexibility

The design focuses on efficient land use, taking up no more than 1.5 parking spaces. This compactness allows the house to integrate easily into cities where space is limited. It features modular components, including a sleep/lounge area and a plumbing unit, which facilitate varied layouts depending on the needs of the occupants. This adaptability means the house can grow and change with its residents, accommodating different lifestyles as they evolve.

Sustainable Features

Key to the design are passive heating and cooling strategies, which help to lower energy consumption. A glass wall on the southern side has operable vents that act as a solar chimney. This feature promotes natural ventilation, keeping the interior comfortable in both hot and cold weather. The approach not only enhances livability but also underscores the project's commitment to sustainability.

Material Choices

The structure utilizes highly insulative structural insulation panels that contribute to its energy efficiency. The exterior is clad in recycled wood and wood-plastic composites, showcasing an environmentally conscious approach to material selection. High-performance aluminum-framed windows further improve insulation, ensuring that the interiors remain comfortable while minimizing energy use.

Interior Experience

Inside, the design encourages natural light and airflow, which are vital for well-being. Cross ventilation and clerestory windows allow for bright spaces, while the exterior lattice system supports greenery. This setup not only provides shade but also connects the building to the surrounding nature. The arrangement promotes an engaging living space, blending indoor comfort with the outside environment.

The Adaptation House illustrates a careful balance of practical living and sustainable practices, all while fostering a connection to both community and nature, culminating in a well-thought-out living experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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