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Sunken Courtyard Integrating Natural Stone and Terra Cotta in a Community Space

Authors:
Vlad Olaru, Andra Dragan, Alexandru Călin, Bogdan Mihăilă
Sunken Courtyard Integrating Natural Stone and Terra Cotta in a Community Space

Project in-detail

A sunken courtyard crafted from natural stone and terra cotta creates a serene oasis that invites communal gatherings and celebrates local agricultural traditions within a thoughtfully designed community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a sunken courtyard that enhances natural light and creates distinct microclimates.
02
Natural stone and terra cotta are incorporated to echo the surrounding landscape and local architectural traditions.
03
A focus on passive cooling strategies reduces reliance on artificial climate control, promoting sustainability.
04
Community gathering spaces are intentionally positioned to foster social interaction and connection among visitors.
05
The use of diamond-shaped windows uniquely frames views while optimizing light penetration into interior spaces.
The architectural design project presents an intricate exploration of space that seamlessly integrates contemporary design principles with a deep-rooted connection to the natural environment. Central to the project is a courtyard that serves as its heart, promoting social interaction and community engagement in a setting reminiscent of those found in traditional cultural contexts. The project's design is not only about aesthetics; it reflects a careful consideration of functionality, where each area is deliberately planned to facilitate varied experiences for its users.

This architectural endeavor represents the harmonious coexistence of built form and landscape. The layout showcases a series of interconnected spaces, meticulously designed to draw the outside in while respecting the essence of the locale. At the core, the main courtyard provides a sun-drenched gathering point, encouraging both relaxation and community activities. This focal space is flanked by distinct yet complementary functionalities, such as an olive oil tasting room and a chapel, which invite visitors to immerse themselves in local agricultural traditions and contemplative practices. This thoughtful arrangement underlines the architecture's narrative, emphasizing the value of shared experiences and cultural connection.

The materiality of the project is significant in enhancing its architectural integrity. Concrete is employed throughout the structure, offering visual alignment with modern design while ensuring durability. The smooth finish of the concrete façade contrasts effectively with more traditional materials like terra cotta roofing, which not only evokes a sense of regional heritage but also serves practical purposes related to thermal performance. The integration of natural stone into pathways reinforces the grounding of the design within its context, ensuring that the visitors maintain a tangible connection to the earth as they navigate through the space. Wood elements, particularly in interior finishes, provide warmth and balance, enriching the tactile experience of the visitors.

Unique design approaches are apparent in various aspects of the project. The implementation of a sunken courtyard stands out, facilitating natural light infiltration and creating comfortable microclimates within the building's envelope. This design choice represents an innovative response to environmental conditions while enhancing the overall user experience. The architecture places tremendous emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow. Features such as diamond-shaped windows invite filtered sunlight into interior spaces, enriching them with dynamic and changing light patterns throughout the day. This approach not only beautifies the interiors but also consults environmental strategies, minimizing the need for artificial lighting.

Landscaping plays a pivotal role in the overall expression of the project. By incorporating native flora within the courtyard and along pathways, the design promotes local biodiversity while also reducing water consumption. The carefully curated plant selections create a visually engaging landscape that changes seasonally, ensuring that the architecture remains vibrant and connected to the rhythms of nature. This connection between architecture and the landscape is vital in reinforcing the sense of place desired in the project's vision.

The project embodies an architectural philosophy that prioritizes sustainability through passive design features, user-centric design, and cultural sensitivity. By crafting spaces that encourage community interaction and environmental stewardship, the architecture promotes a lifestyle that is both respectful of its heritage and attuned to the needs of contemporary users.

To fully appreciate the intricate details and thought processes that underpin this architectural design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. By examining components such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural design illustrations, one can gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas that inform this project, revealing the subtleties that make it a compelling exploration of contemporary architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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