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Tactile Navigation in a Private Community Courtyard

Author:
Ruth Suarez
Tactile Navigation in a Private Community Courtyard

Project in-detail

Occluded Projection creates a tactile environment in Havana's courtyard that fosters privacy for blind residents while encouraging community interaction among neighbors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Occluded Projection redefines spatial interaction for blind residents.
02
The design incorporates tactile elements for enhanced navigation.
03
Projections obscure sight lines, ensuring privacy within communal spaces.
04
It emphasizes sensory engagement over visual perception in a traditional courtyard.
05
The layout encourages community interaction while respecting individual comfort.

The design situated in Havana, Cuba, reinterprets the traditional courtyard to meet the needs of blind inhabitants while allowing for interaction with sighted neighbors. This approach emphasizes inclusivity and engagement with the environment, resulting in a living space that balances community and individual comfort. Central to the design is the concept of "Occluded Projection," which enhances the home experience for visually impaired residents while preserving the cultural essence of courtyard living.

Conceptual Framework

Lines of projection are utilized to convey the complexities of the courtyard’s physical environment. The placement of architectural elements, such as arches and columns, enriches the tactile experience for residents. This design strategy allows blind inhabitants to explore their surroundings through touch, deepening their understanding of space. Projections serve to affirm physical presence while connecting to the broader environment, presenting an innovative take on traditional courtyard layouts.

Privacy and Interaction

Considerate design promotes privacy for blind residents. By blocking sight lines from nearby areas, a secure and comfortable atmosphere is created. This setup enables blind inhabitants to engage with their environment while maintaining a personal space. The arrangement supports a community-friendly setting where personal boundaries are respected and valued.

Sensory Engagement

The approach prioritizes diverse sensory experiences in architecture. It allows residents to explore connection without sacrificing their privacy. By recognizing that architecture can stimulate various senses, the design invites all individuals to appreciate communal life while addressing specific needs. Each space not only serves a function but also promotes interaction and comfort.

The implementation of projection lines extends past mere architectural elements. They act as tactile guides, leading residents through a thoughtfully arranged environment. This design invites exploration while fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Each element provides an opportunity for connection, creating an engaging and thoughtful living area that nurtures individual preferences.

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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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