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Washi Core and Stone Ring Structure for Meditative Community Interaction

Authors:
Marcel Dawid, Anita Wiśniewska, Brian Dam
Washi Core and Stone Ring Structure for Meditative Community Interaction

Project in-detail

A core crafted from washi material and surrounded by a stone ring supports a flexible structure designed for meditation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates a washi core, enhancing the meditative experience.
02
A flexible ring system allows for infinite expansion and adaptability.
03
Stone and soil are utilized in the outer ring to encourage plant growth.
04
Circular design promotes non-linear user navigation throughout the space.
05
Distinct zones for work, relaxation, and social interaction are clearly defined.

The Ophanim combines celestial, symbolic, and functional elements to create an engaging space. It is designed to act as an enclosure, a transitional area, and a meditative focal point. Set within a virtual context, it emphasizes the importance of symbolism, allowing users to connect deeply with their surroundings while moving away from traditional approaches to material use.

Circular Form as a Design Element

The circular shape of the Ophanim plays a vital role in defining user experience within the vast open environment. This geometry allows for non-linear organization, giving users the ability to move effortlessly among various functional areas. By placing individuals at the center, the design encourages a natural flow and connection, challenging conventional architectural movement.

Adaptive Ring System

The project features an innovative ring system that accommodates growth through the addition of offset modules. This flexibility allows the space to adjust to the needs of its users, facilitating various interactions. By minimizing visible mechanisms, the design promotes a sense of immersion in the space, enhancing the overall experience.

Material Considerations

While the emphasis is on symbolic and experiential elements, material choices help reinforce the project’s objectives. The core is made of washi material, which supports meditative focus for users. The outer ring employs stone and soil, fostering an open social area that encourages plant growth and reflects the feel of gathering spaces in nature.

Spatial Zones and User Interaction

The careful arrangement of different zones within the Ophanim creates specific areas for working, relaxing, and socializing. Each zone operates independently yet contributes to a unified user experience. Encouraging exploration, the design supports interactions between people and their surroundings. This thoughtful organization highlights functionality while enriching the overall journey.

In the end, the design invites quiet reflection at its core, while the surrounding spaces promote community and collaboration. This attention to detail creates a rich environment that connects users to their architectural setting.

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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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