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Stargazing Retreat with Limestone Walls and Teak Flooring

Author:
Maria grazia Del negro
Stargazing Retreat with Limestone Walls and Teak Flooring

Project in-detail

With a structure that incorporates limestone walls and revolves around a mini greenhouse, this micro-house near Machu Picchu offers a unique living experience centered on sustainability and stargazing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a mini greenhouse for local plant studies.
02
Designed with bamboo partitions to enhance spatial flexibility.
03
Features revolving mezzanines for adaptable living arrangements.
04
Constructed with load-bearing stone walls for durability.
05
Allows for stargazing from living cells through large windows.

The design focuses on creating flexible living spaces that prioritize ecological values. Located near the Machu Picchu archaeological park, it aims to connect inhabitants with the natural surroundings. The project encourages personal interaction with the environment while offering practical and adaptable living solutions that respond to various needs.

Modularity and Adaptability

The concept of modularity is central to the design, allowing residents to modify their spaces according to their requirements. The ground floor includes a mini greenhouse designed for studying local plants. This feature not only supports sustainability but also serves as a space for physical activity or gardening. The design successfully addresses multiple uses without sacrificing the overall integrity of the living area.

Spatial Fluidity

Distinct architectural elements, such as bamboo partitions and revolving mezzanines, create a feeling of open, adaptable space. These features enable the living areas to change as needed, promoting a sense of connection between different parts of the home. This adaptability fosters innovation in how residents engage with their environments, allowing for varied experiences within a single footprint.

Material Selection

Material choices reflect a commitment to durability and environmental care. Load-bearing stone walls with a reinforced concrete core provide strength, while limestone slabs on the outside enhance thermal efficiency and visual appeal. The design includes granite finishes in the bathrooms for a sturdy, polished look, while stained glass along the perimeter invites natural light into the interior. Teak wooden flooring adds warmth, and a concrete roof protects against weather elements, ensuring long-lasting resilience.

The architecture emphasizes a thoughtful integration with nature, where each component plays a role in enhancing the living experience. One unique aspect is the inclusion of living cells that facilitate stargazing, inviting residents to connect with the night sky. This attention to detail creates a home that not only serves its functions but also enriches the lives of those who inhabit it.

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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

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