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Stone Barn and Sustainable Straw Pavilion Overlooking an Artificial Lake

Authors:
HUMBERTO MARQUEZ RANGEL, JORGE ALBERTO MEDINA BALDERAS, JESUS HERNANDEZ MARTINEZ, SANDRA CARPINTEYRO URBAN
Stone Barn and Sustainable Straw Pavilion Overlooking an Artificial Lake

Project in-detail

The design features a historic stone barn paired with a contemporary pavilion crafted from sustainable straw, meticulously positioned to enhance the experience of an artificial lake while serving as a community space for reflection and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Historic stone barn serves as the centerpiece of the design.
02
Sustainable straw pavilion enhances ecologically mindful practices.
03
Artificial lake creates reflective surfaces for contemplative experiences.
04
Roof design facilitates rainwater harvesting and solar energy use.
05
Cross-ventilation features promote natural airflow throughout the spaces.

The project integrates historical preservation with modern design, set in a picturesque natural landscape. The existing stone barn serves as the key feature, recognized for its historical importance. The design aims to create a peaceful space through an approach centered on meditation and sustainability. By revitalizing the old structure within a contemporary framework, it meets ecological and social needs while honoring the site's legacy.

Design Concept

The concept focuses on creating an environment that reflects the essence of meditation. This idea is embodied in the architectural forms, particularly the roof design, which symbolizes elevation and contemplation. The roof also supports practical functions, such as capturing rainwater and producing solar energy. This dual-purpose design emphasizes the commitment to sustainability, crucial for minimizing ecological impact.

Spatial Organization

The layout is organized around a natural axis defined by the flow of water on the site. This axis plays a crucial role in determining the positioning and relationship of various pavilions, each designed to meet distinct functional requirements. The pavilions operate independently while contributing to a unified experience that encourages users to engage with the surrounding nature.

Materiality and Construction

Materials used in the design include wood, straw, stone, and glass. Wood provides structural support while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Straw is utilized for insulation, highlighting the ecological focus of the project. The stone barn retains its historical character, while the new structures harmonize with this heritage. Glass elements enhance visibility and create connections between indoor spaces and the outdoors.

Design Details

A notable feature is the artificial lake, which adds reflective surfaces, inviting calmness into the area. Sculptural walls within the lake mark the transition to the observation pavilion, drawing attention to the relationship between built spaces and nature. This careful integration of elements enhances the user experience and deepens the connection to the vibrant landscape.

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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
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