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Vertical Integration of Nature Through Strategic Window Placement

Author:
Seo Jeong-ho
Vertical Integration of Nature Through Strategic Window Placement

Project in-detail

Strategically designed to enhance vertical sightlines and natural light, the building harmonizes with its forested surroundings while serving as a community-oriented guest house.
5 key facts about this project
01
The Skip Floor enhances visual connectivity across levels while preserving spaciousness.
02
Vertical Expansion aligns with the heights of surrounding trees, promoting a sense of unity with nature.
03
Architectural Promenade allows for unobstructed views of the landscape, facilitating engagement with the environment.
04
Ceiling windows maximize natural light, creating bright and welcoming interior spaces.
05
The layout fosters an organic flow, reducing visual barriers between different functional areas.

"Ozolini Promenade" is located in Ozolini, featuring the historic Stone Barn built in 1850. The design aims to connect the building with the natural environment, particularly the forest that lies to the east. The focus is on improving visitor experiences by allowing engagement with natural elements, such as trees and changing light throughout the seasons.

Skip Floor

The Skip Floor is an important aspect of the design, acting as a horizontal layer within the space. It separates different functions while creating visual connections. The centrally located stair cores enable easy movement between levels, allowing for expansive views that link the interior to the outside. This design encourages a constant interaction between the built environment and nature.

Vertical Expansion

Incorporating Vertical Expansion creates a relationship with the nearby trees, guiding the eye upward and enhancing spatial awareness. This feature strengthens the connection between the building and its surroundings. Occupants can see and feel the height and scale of the forest, which adds to the overall experience. Windows placed in the ceilings let natural light fill the space, reinforcing the bond between light and the interior.

Architectural Promenade

The Architectural Promenade serves as a pathway that connects different areas of the building. It provides spots for observing activities within the guest house. This design encourages movement and interaction, allowing visitors to engage with the environment while enjoying views of the landscape.

Internal Layout

Inside, the layout includes distinct spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, a balcony, a shower room, a meditation room, and communal areas including the living room and kitchen. Each area is arranged thoughtfully, ensuring they enhance the overall experience. Open spaces reduce visual separation, fostering a natural flow between different functions.

A large window in the communal area frames views of the forest, inviting the natural landscape into the living space and blending the indoor environment with the outside world.

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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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competition now

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