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Timber Structure Embracing Community with High-Rise Gardens and Cultural Symbolism

Authors:
Rafael Mourão, Carolina Leschot, Caio Caccaos
Timber Structure Embracing Community with High-Rise Gardens and Cultural Symbolism

Project in-detail

Constructed using cross-laminated timber and crowned with high-rise gardens, the tower serves as a multifunctional shelter and research center, deeply embedded with cultural symbolism reflective of the Yanomami community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability.
02
Features high-rise gardens that support food cultivation and community interaction.
03
Incorporates geometry inspired by Yanomami cultural symbols.
04
Designed to maximize natural light and ventilation for energy efficiency.
05
Provides immediate access to healthcare services on lower floors.

The HYN'MA Tower rises in the Amazon forest, serving as a multifaceted solution for the Yanomami tribe. The structure addresses serious challenges posed by gold mining and environmental changes. The design concept is rooted in cultural significance, embodying healing, unity, and a deep connection to nature through its form and function.

Cultural Integration

The design incorporates significant symbols of the Yanomami people, such as URIHI (vegetation/forest), PATA U (river/water), HEHU (mountain), and NIKO (union). These elements create a strong visual identity that resonates with the natural environment. The building reflects the cultural heritage of the tribe while strengthening their relationship with the land they inhabit.

Functional Versatility

Serving as a shelter and research center, the tower provides critical services, including healthcare and climate research facilities. Healthcare is located on lower floors to ensure quick access for those affected by environmental issues. Research areas are positioned above, representing growth and knowledge. This layout enhances safety and encourages social interaction among the Yanomami community.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is a key focus of the HYN'MA Tower’s design. The structure is oriented to maximize natural light and airflow, reducing the need for artificial cooling. Features such as rainwater harvesting systems and high-rise gardens promote ecological efficiency and support food growing. The design balances aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that environmental considerations are integral to the tower.

Structural Components

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is used for flooring, while glued laminated timber (Glulam) supports the columns. These materials are important for sustainability and strength, meeting modern practices aimed at minimizing environmental impact. The use of timber connects the tower to the natural surroundings, allowing it to fit seamlessly into the forest landscape.

As one approaches the entrance, the continuous thatch roof signals a welcoming space. This design element embodies shelter and community, inviting inhabitants to gather and connect within the protective surroundings of the tower.

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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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