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Symbolic Living Spaces with Integrated Giardina and Familial Design

Author:
Adela Ho
Symbolic Living Spaces with Integrated Giardina and Familial Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating Giardina and Familia elements, the design emphasizes functional living spaces that support both community interaction and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates Giardina and Familia elements for enhanced community interaction.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels in structural design for efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize spatial functionality.
05
Areas are thoughtfully labeled, enhancing the sense of purpose in the layout.

The design presents a thoughtful exploration of domesticity through its organized spatial layout. Situated in an urban environment, the focus is on both shared and private living spaces within a modern residential format. The overall layout is characterized by clearly defined areas that cater to the different functions of daily life.

Spatial Organization

The unit layout clearly illustrates distinct spaces labeled Giardina, Familia, Escalera, Dormire, Cucina, Bagno, and Abitare. Each area is positioned to encourage movement and interaction while maintaining boundaries that provide privacy. This arrangement reflects an understanding of how these spaces connect with one another, enhancing the daily experience of the inhabitants.

Conceptual Framework

A central theme within the design is the relationship between architecture and language. The idea that "the physical components of language and domesticity shape grammar modules" emphasizes how the design serves as more than just functional space. It expresses identity and fosters social connections within the home. The layout reinforces these ideas, creating environments that support interaction and individual reflection.

Symbolic Elements

The project emphasizes the importance of symbolism in the design. By assigning meaningful labels to each area, the layout communicates a sense of purpose. This thoughtful representation enhances the understanding of home as a place where personal and social values come together. It highlights how spaces can tell stories about the people living in them.

The design concludes with a focus on spatial relationships that cater to both daily activities and personal retreats. Areas connect through clear pathways, allowing for easy navigation. Each space contributes to a cohesive living experience, underscoring the essence of modern living.

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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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