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Sustainable Living Amidst Camellia Gardens and Canal Networks

Authors:
DOMENICO MALARA, ALESSIA MALARA, DOMENICO ROMEO, Alessia STELITANO
Sustainable Living Amidst Camellia Gardens and Canal Networks

Project in-detail

Set amidst an ecological landscape of camellia gardens and designed around an intricate network of canals, the structure blends traditional Chinese architecture with sustainable practices to create a functional living space for a thriving community.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates a photovoltaic system for energy efficiency.
02
Each home includes a small private garden, enhancing biodiversity.
03
The layout features an interconnected canal system for drainage.
04
Prefabricated elements allow for flexible spatial arrangements.
05
Local tree species are incorporated to strengthen ecological ties.

The design integrates traditional elements of Chinese farmhouses with modern sustainability practices in Yunnan, drawing inspiration from the landscapes surrounding Nuodeng, Dali. The focus is on creating a functional space that accommodates both living and working, fostering a sense of community and allowing residents to engage in both social and agricultural activities.

Design Concept

At the heart of the layout is a well-organized ground floor plan that includes various functional areas. These areas consist of residential spaces, work areas, and communal functions. This thoughtful organization allows for easy movement between private and public spaces, encouraging interaction among residents while also providing individual privacy.

Roof Design

The roof stands out with its traditional triangular form, a common shape in Chinese architecture that signifies home. This feature serves a practical purpose, effectively managing rainwater, which is essential in an area with a strong agricultural focus. The roof's design reflects both cultural symbolism and functional considerations.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key theme in the design. A photovoltaic system is included to promote energy efficiency, while advanced waterproofing techniques ensure durability. The use of prefabricated elements streamlines construction and allows the design to adapt to the changing demands of its inhabitants. These features demonstrate a commitment to environmentally responsible construction.

Landscape Integration

The overall master plan highlights a strong connection between the buildings and the natural environment. Each residence boasts a small private garden, complementing communal gardens and tea plantations that enhance community interactions. The choice of native trees, such as Camellia Sinensis, Trachycarpus Fortunei, and Pinus Sylvestris, enriches the landscape and emphasizes local biodiversity, reinforcing a connection to the region's agricultural heritage.

The project embodies an architectural approach that harmonizes traditional aesthetics with modern needs, focusing on sustainability and community connectivity.

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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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