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Thermal Blocks and Perforated Roof Enhance Passive Cooling in Educational Atrium

Authors:
Tamara Šebetovsky, Dora Perković
Thermal Blocks and Perforated Roof Enhance Passive Cooling in Educational Atrium

Project in-detail

With a pitched roof that incorporates perforations for passive cooling and masonry thermal blocks for insulation, the design enhances visitor engagement with the surrounding wetlands through an educational atrium.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated roof design enhances natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Masonry thermal blocks provide effective insulation while minimizing energy use.
03
Atrium space accommodates local flora, promoting educational engagement.
04
Strategic placement of entrances encourages visitor interaction with the landscape.
05
Building positioned to maximize views of surrounding wetlands and natural light.

The design is located in an unbuilt area, surrounded by flat land and water ponds, setting the scene for its unique character. It is a single-story structure, which allows for minimal excavation while taking advantage of sweeping views of the nearby wetlands. The overall concept centers on a self-referencing, temple-like form that connects with three key elements: the local climate, the movement of people and vehicles, and the visual backdrop created by the wetlands.

Building Form and Strategy

The structure has a mostly closed form, consciously positioned at the site’s edge. This placement creates selective openings that invite visitors to engage with the landscape. A pitched roof serves a dual purpose — it acts as a cooling device by drawing in cooler air from above, promoting natural ventilation and enhancing comfort within the building.

Atrium and Internal Dynamics

At the heart of the design is an atrium, which functions as a central space for displaying local flora while also helping to control indoor temperatures through evaporative cooling. The atrium establishes a strong connection between the occupants and nature, illustrating how interior spaces can support environmental goals effectively.

Airflow and Perforations

The pitched roof features perforations that allow air to flow freely, utilizing the thermal stack effect to expel warmer air upwards and out of the building. This clever detail not only improves indoor air quality but also lets natural light penetrate deeper into the spaces, brightening the environment while keeping energy use in check.

Material Considerations

For structural integrity, the design includes masonry thermal blocks that provide insulation and reinforced concrete slabs that ensure a stable foundation. The roof is made up of multidirectional laminated wooden beams, which create the necessary pitch for effective ventilation and allow ample daylight to illuminate the interior.

Multiple entrances enhance accessibility, guiding visitors through various points of interest, including the main entrance, gift shop, and terrace. This thoughtful arrangement encourages interaction with the environment while offering diverse experiences from different perspectives.

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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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