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Subterranean Spaces with Occupiable Roofs in a Spiral Campsite Design

Author:
Jared Baker
Subterranean Spaces with Occupiable Roofs in a Spiral Campsite Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating a spiral layout and occupiable roofs, the design emphasizes subterranean spaces that provide seasonal shelter while serving as a campsite for diverse users.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a spiral pathway that guides visitors through the landscape.
02
Occupiable roofs create additional gathering spaces above the main structures.
03
Subterranean areas offer refuge and shelter during colder seasons.
04
Distinct building masses provide clear functional separation for different user groups.
05
The integration of gardens enhances the connection between architecture and nature.

The project is located at The Great Kemeri Bog, functioning as a welcoming entry point for visitors to explore the surrounding natural area. It consists of two separate buildings, each designed with different purposes in mind, creating a balanced space for various users. The overall design follows a spiral pattern that directs movement from the parking area to a central plaza. This layout connects the built environment with the landscape, enhancing the experience for everyone who visits.

Spatial Organization

The site is organized in a spiral shape that guides visitors toward the plaza, which serves as the main focus of the area. The pathway is lined with gardens and paved sections, encouraging a fluid transition from nature to architecture. This organization invites people to explore, making it easy for visitors to choose their route while moving between different spaces within the site.

Functional Distinction

The two buildings serve distinct functions. The northern building is dedicated to long-term camping, offering necessary amenities like restrooms and showers. In contrast, the southern building is geared towards short-term visitors, featuring gallery spaces as well as a rooftop café. This thoughtful separation ensures that various user needs are met, providing appropriate facilities for all types of visitors.

Architectural Features

The design of the buildings includes an inward lean, which creates a natural path for foot traffic toward the plaza. This design choice enhances the interaction between people and space, promoting a clear flow as users navigate the area. The roofs are designed to be occupied, allowing visitors to experience the site from different heights. This feature encourages a closer connection with both the architecture and the surrounding environment.

Climate Responsive Design

A subterranean area is included, accessible from both buildings. This space addresses seasonal changes, offering shelter during colder months. It reflects a practical approach to comfort in varying weather conditions, adding an extra layer of consideration to the overall design.

The combination of these design elements creates an environment that balances functionality with an engaging experience. Occupiable roofs provide opportunities to observe the natural beauty of the bog and appreciate the landscape from a different perspective.

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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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