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Sustainable Thatch Roof Structure Integrating Steel and Concrete for Coastal Community Resilience

Authors:
Harpreet Singh Chadha, James Evan Preuss, Kevin Paul Jr Harris, Andrew Martens
Sustainable Thatch Roof Structure Integrating Steel and Concrete for Coastal Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Constructed with a distinctive thatch roof and a robust framework of steel and concrete, this facility serves as a vital community hub for the Haenyeo, integrating cultural heritage with practical functionality for the local female diving community.
5 key facts about this project
01
The thatch roof design references traditional coastal architecture while enhancing natural ventilation.
02
Steel and concrete construction ensures resilience against coastal weather conditions.
03
A linear layout promotes accessibility and fosters interaction among community members.
04
Interior spaces incorporate large glass panels for natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Dedicated areas for seafood processing are integrated into the main structure, supporting the local economy.

### Overview
Located on Jeju Island, South Korea, the Haenyeo House is designed to serve the needs of the Haenyeo, a group of female divers engaged in fishing, while also preserving and promoting their cultural heritage. The project aims to create a functional space that reflects the traditions of the Haenyeo while incorporating modern architectural principles. The design integrates programmatic elements in a linear arrangement, facilitating accessibility among spaces for cooking, seafood processing, social interaction, and public engagement.

### Spatial Strategy
The Haenyeo House is characterized by a sawtooth roof silhouette that connects the structure to local architectural vernacular. This distinctive roof design not only enhances functionality but also pays tribute to the traditional fishermen's homes in the vicinity. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces fosters community interaction, featuring public lounges and event areas that serve as gathering points for both the Haenyeo and the local population. This spatial organization encourages a sense of belonging and cohesiveness among users, while ensuring that the building adapts to the evolving needs of the community.

### Material Selection
The material choices in Haenyeo House reflect a commitment to sustainability and cultural resonance. Traditional thatch roofing is employed to honor local heritage while contributing to environmental sustainability. The structural framework utilizes steel for strength and flexibility, complemented by durable concrete elements that withstand coastal conditions. Glass is incorporated to enhance natural light and visual connections with the surroundings, while wood accents provide warmth and emphasize craftsmanship. This combination of materials effectively bridges traditional and contemporary design, reinforcing the project's intent to establish a renewed architectural identity that aligns with its context.

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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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