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Timber Arches and Natural Ventilation Shape a Communal Retreat

Author:
Ana Ene
Timber Arches and Natural Ventilation Shape a Communal Retreat
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Timber arches create a striking framework for a communal space that integrates natural ventilation and private retreats, emphasizing sustainability and connectivity within the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber arches support the main structure, reflecting the form of grapevines.
02
A retractable skylight enhances natural light and ventilation in the communal area.
03
Rooms are strategically oriented to provide privacy while maintaining unique views.
04
Twisting cladding elements promote airflow and visual interest on the façade.
05
The building's footprint is designed to merge with the surrounding landscape seamlessly.

Foglia is an architectural design that takes inspiration from the features of the grape vine. Located within a natural landscape, the design combines spaces for community engagement with private areas for individual retreat. The concept focuses on organic shapes and promotes natural ventilation and light, striving to create a balanced environment where people can come together while also finding solitude when needed.

Design Concept

The layout encourages movement and exploration, allowing guests to navigate easily through the various parts of the building. A central communal area, defined by large swinging doors and a retractable skylight, invites fresh air to flow inside. This provides comfort during warm summer days and enhances the connection between the interior and the outside environment.

Structural Elements

The design reflects how grapevines are cultivated, often shaped into arches. A key feature is the timber arch, which acts as the main structural support and is set into concrete. This choice not only adds stability but also emphasizes the connection to nature, creating a design that is both practical and appealing to the eye.

Spatial Arrangement

Rooms are positioned thoughtfully to ensure unique views while maintaining privacy for occupants. This careful planning offers a mix of shared experiences and individual space. Users can transition from the bustling communal area to quiet rooms designed for personal reflection, fostering a sense of comfort in both settings.

Climatic Response

The cladding of Foglia draws inspiration from the natural world, incorporating elements that twist and recess for effective ventilation. This design detail not only enhances the building's response to the climate but also adds a visual dynamic to the façade. Natural light enters through the openings, casting shadows and patterns that create a warm atmosphere throughout the interior spaces.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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