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Spherical Structure Emphasizing Thermal Performance With Clay And Glass Integration

Authors:
Joyce Kimi Nakano, Laura Helena Siebold
Spherical Structure Emphasizing Thermal Performance With Clay And Glass Integration

Project in-detail

A dome-shaped structure utilizing locally sourced clay and expansive glass elements optimizes natural light and ventilation, creating a seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor environments for residential living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dome structure optimizes natural ventilation and light through strategic openings.
02
Local clay bricks provide thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
03
Central indoor garden integrates biophilic design principles for improved well-being.
04
Geometric shape reduces wind load while maximizing spatial harmony.
05
Large glass panels create strong connections to the surrounding landscape.

# Abóboda Architectural Design Report

## Overview
Located at the Tropic of Capricorn in Brazil, Abóboda is a residential structure designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings while emphasizing the intelligent use of light and space. The design, characterized by a domed geometric form, is informed by local climatic conditions and cultural contexts, facilitating an effective interaction between indoor and outdoor environments.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The material choices for Abóboda underscore a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic harmony. Clay bricks sourced from local materials enhance thermal mass and ensure the building integrates with its environment. The use of glass permits natural light to illuminate interior spaces while maintaining visual connectivity with the outdoor landscape. Additionally, the incorporation of vegetation not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the interiors but also contributes to improved air quality and aligns with principles of biophilic design.

## Spatial Organization and Experience
The internal configuration of Abóboda promotes a fluid transition between spaces, encouraging interaction with both the built environment and nature. The living room is strategically positioned to capture evening light, fostering communal activities within a warm, inviting setting. The layout of the kitchen and dining area aligns with the path of the sun, offering culinary experiences enriched by views of greenery. A central indoor garden serves to reinforce the connection between the interior and exterior, contributing to the overall ecological performance of the structure and enhancing occupant comfort through natural air purification and increased biodiversity.

By emphasizing passive environmental strategies, the design optimizes natural ventilation and minimizes energy consumption, demonstrating a progressive approach to contemporary architecture grounded in ecological responsibility.

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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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