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Thatch Roof Pavilion with Cross Laminated Timber and Natural Light

Authors:
Eszter bernadett Barna, Balázs Markó, Balázs Kósa
Thatch Roof Pavilion with Cross Laminated Timber and Natural Light

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a thatch roof and Cross Laminated Timber construction, this creative space fosters collaboration and individual expression while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thatch roof integrates traditional roofing methods.
02
Movable walls enhance spatial adaptability for various activities.
03
The design retains an existing stone wall for historical context.
04
Natural ventilation strategies reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Large windows frame views of the surrounding landscape.

The Painter's Barn project highlights a thoughtful blend of architecture and nature, located in a scenic area near a lake. Designed primarily for artists, the barn reflects a strong respect for its historical backdrop and the surrounding landscape. The design emphasizes the importance of time and place, making the building a living extension of its environment. It serves as a space that encourages both individual creativity and shared experiences.

Sustainable Design Strategies

The approach uses passive design strategies to promote energy efficiency and environmental care. Features such as natural ventilation and carefully placed openings help improve airflow and bring in natural light, minimizing the need for mechanical systems. The layout takes climatic factors into account, ensuring a comfortable environment for users throughout the year.

Spatial Organization

Inside the Painter's Barn, the layout promotes flexibility, allowing for various configurations that suit different activities. The open floor plan resembles that of a pavilion and encourages a smooth flow between areas. Movable walls and partitions enhance this adaptability, enabling users to change the space as needed. Connections to nature are prioritized, creating a strong relationship between inside and outside.

Material Palette

The materials selected for the Painter's Barn align with the principles of sustainability and locality. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels form the primary structure, known for their strength and lower environmental impact. Modified paper-based insulation is used to maintain warmth, while thatch pays tribute to traditional roofing methods. The existing stone wall is preserved, connecting the new design with its historical surroundings.

Large windows allow ample natural light into the barn, framing views of the landscape. This focus on transparency fosters a calm atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for artistic work and inspiration.

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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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