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Sustainable Educational Pavilion Showcasing Strawbale and Cork

Authors:
Zuzanna Winiarska, Kornelia Mikulska, Szymon Kołcz, Anna Lis
Sustainable Educational Pavilion Showcasing Strawbale and Cork

Project in-detail

Constructed with strawbale and cork, this educational pavilion emphasizes modularity and sustainability while promoting awareness of ecological building practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced materials to minimize carbon footprint.
02
Integrates lesser-known materials like strawbale and cork for sustainability.
03
Modular design allows for flexible reconfiguration of space.
04
Educational exhibits showcase alternative building practices and materials.
05
Promotes engagement with ecological design principles through interactive elements.

The Vernacular Pavilion is a response to ongoing climate change, situated in a way that emphasizes the need for sustainability in building design. It serves as an educational space that promotes eco-friendly construction practices through the use of wood and technologies drawn from traditional architecture. The overall design focuses on modularity, allowing the pavilion to adapt to different environments while encouraging exploration of various sustainable materials and construction methods.

Design Concept

The pavilion features a wooden structure designed with modular elements that offer flexibility in arrangement. Each module can be reconfigured to suit specific site conditions, making it adaptable to diverse settings. This modular approach not only enhances functionality but also engages visitors, inviting them to interact with the design and consider sustainable principles in their own construction choices.

Educational Function

Central to the pavilion's mission is its role as an educational resource. It features exhibition spaces that display various sustainable building materials, offering insights into their properties and applications. Each exhibition box is equipped with descriptions and images that illustrate how these materials can be used in real-world projects. This aspect of the design seeks to inform the public about the benefits of using alternative materials, fostering a greater understanding of sustainable practices in architecture.

Material Considerations

While wood serves as the primary material in the design, the pavilion also incorporates lesser-known sustainable options such as strawbale, hempcrete, and cork. These materials are selected for their contributions to reducing environmental impact and compatibility with local building traditions. Their inclusion underscores the importance of sourcing materials locally, which can support local economies and minimize transportation-related emissions.

The architectural expression of the pavilion blends traditional principles with modern design elements, creating a welcoming space that showcases the potential of sustainable construction methods. The wooden surfaces interact with light, casting interesting shadows that add depth to the experience. Visitors are encouraged to engage not just with the space, but also with the ideas surrounding sustainability and responsible building practices.

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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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