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Terraced Greenhouses Embracing Nature with Timber and Concrete

Author:
Malin Persson
Terraced Greenhouses Embracing Nature with Timber and Concrete

Project in-detail

Terraced floor levels maximize natural light and enhance landscape integration in a series of functional greenhouses designed for dining and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terraced floor levels enhance user experience and spatial dynamics.
02
Orientation maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Flexible layouts accommodate diverse community activities and functions.
04
Integration of timber and concrete reflects a commitment to sustainability.
05
Open spaces promote interaction between cultivation and social areas.

The "Green Fingers" project integrates three greenhouses into a carefully considered landscape. Located in an area with varied topography, the design emphasizes a connection with nature, enabling the structures to engage with their surroundings while supporting multiple community roles. The concept focuses on blending cultivation and communal spaces for a richer experience of both nature and social interaction.

Placement and Orientation

The greenhouses are positioned at different angles to maximize sunlight and interact with the landscape. Each structure takes advantage of the location, creating various spatial experiences. The design follows the natural slope, leading to different floor heights that give a sense of openness inside. As visitors move through the greenhouses, they encounter a flow between the different functional spaces without barriers to restrict their movement.

Functionality and Community Engagement

Each greenhouse has a specific purpose designed to encourage community use. Greenhouse A functions as a restaurant, connecting dining experiences to the cultivation of food. Greenhouse B is set aside for conferences and meetings, offering a calm environment for discussions. Greenhouse C serves as a multipurpose area that can adapt to different community needs, enhancing the overall flexibility of the project and encouraging various activities and uses.

Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

In terms of materials, timber and concrete play key roles in the design. Timber brings warmth to the interiors, supporting the vision of blending with the natural environment. Concrete offers durability, ensuring the structures can endure the elements while remaining functional. This choice of materials reflects an intention to create an inviting space that balances practicality with an appreciation for nature.

Design Details

An important aspect of the design is the emphasis on open spaces that allow users to engage with the greenery. By avoiding rigid divisions between cultivation and social areas, the project supports a holistic experience that promotes well-being. Visitors are encouraged to connect with both nature and community in a setting that fosters ecological awareness and interaction. The overall approach illustrates a commitment to designing spaces that serve both people and the environment.

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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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