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Vigaria Marble Residence With Biophilic Design Elements in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Arnaud Antranik Thomassian, Marine Caroline Laurence Barbieux
Vigaria Marble Residence With Biophilic Design Elements in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted with locally-sourced Vigaria marble and designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding flora, the residence prioritizes natural light and ecological sustainability, serving as a modern family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally-sourced Vigaria marble, enhancing regional identity.
02
Features a biophilic design that integrates indoor and outdoor spaces through large windows.
03
Incorporates a biodiversity pond to support local flora and fauna.
04
Utilizes Kingspan Kooltherm K-15 insulation for improved thermal efficiency.
05
Designed with an open-plan layout that promotes natural ventilation and light.

## Overview and Context

The Vigaria Home is located within Sintra Natural Park, Portugal, approximately 50 meters above sea level. The site’s unique geographical features, including a backdrop of pine trees and ocean views, inform its architectural design, which prioritizes ecological sensitivity and contemporary aesthetics. The home integrates locally sourced Vigaria marble, reflecting both regional materiality and heritage.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The design promotes a comfortable living environment by optimizing natural light and airflow. A large window connects the interior to the surrounding landscape, offering expansive views. The spatial arrangement creates distinct zones that facilitate both social interaction and privacy. Key features include a spacious living room that opens onto an outdoor terrace, a tranquil bedroom designed for privacy with limited window openings, and a bathroom that maximizes natural light while incorporating environmentally friendly products. The floor plan encourages fluid movement throughout the home, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette underscores a commitment to sustainability and durability. The use of Vigaria marble, coupled with 8 cm thick marble bricks, establishes a robust façade while maintaining aesthetic cohesion. The timber frame, treated with eco-friendly coatings, enhances indoor air quality. Sustainable practices are further implemented through the use of Kingspan Kooltherm K-15 insulation, which improves thermal performance, and a Slimline Water Tank designed for rainwater recycling. Additional features, such as natural ventilation openings and a biodiversity pond, support local ecosystems and reduce reliance on municipal water supplies. These elements collectively signify a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture with an emphasis on minimal environmental impact.

### Materials and Construction Details

- **Vigaria Marble**: Block Size: 150 x 50 mm, Thickness: 50 mm
- **Timber Construction Elements**: Natural wood panels
- **Concrete**: Made from sustainable materials
- **Wall Insulation**: Kingspan Kooltherm K-15
- **Water System**: Slimline Water Tank
- **Aluminium Coping**: Provides structural integrity
- **Additional Features**: Kingspan Solurate 160 DS Light for enhanced natural lighting, and Casein Paint for walls

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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
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