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Water-Enveloped Dwelling with Net Domes for Nature-Based Living

Authors:
Minyoung Choi, Grace Davidson
Water-Enveloped Dwelling with Net Domes for Nature-Based Living

Project in-detail

Surrounded by a reflective water shell and topped with net domes, the dwelling offers a unique blend of privacy and natural light, serving as both a home and a resting area for those traversing the forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Surrounded by a reflective pond that enhances privacy and natural light.
02
Incorporates two net domes that promote ecological integration and provide ample daylight.
03
Vegetation planned on dome surfaces to strengthen the connection with the natural environment.
04
Urban function as both a dwelling and an adaptable rest area for travelers in the forest.
05
Designed to facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor experiences.

Winter Virtual Land presents a unique dwelling set in a snowy field at the edge of a forest. This design functions both as a home and as a resting place for those journeying through nature. The concept focuses on establishing a close relationship between the built environment and the natural world. It fosters quiet moments of thought and prepares individuals for their adventures ahead.

Water Feature

A significant aspect of Winter Virtual Land is the water surrounding the structure. This water shell creates privacy while letting natural light fill the interior. The water's surface reflects the sky and trees, effectively joining the home with the pond. This connection blurs the lines between inside and outside, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Dome Structures

The design includes two net domes positioned on top of the dwelling. These domes provide privacy while allowing sunlight to enter freely. This arrangement creates a bright and open atmosphere, encouraging occupants to appreciate the landscape from within. The inclusion of vegetation on these domes is an additional feature that promotes sustainable living and ties the structure even closer to its environment.

Spatial Organization

Ground, first, and second-floor layouts are designed to maximize both convenience and flow. Public spaces, identified in yellow on the plans, encourage social interaction, while private areas, shown in purple, provide a sense of retreat. Clear pathways for movement throughout the home are organized in distinct colors for easy navigation, ensuring that every part of the residence is accessible and functional.

Contextual Integration

The building is thoughtfully placed in relation to the pond and forest, evident in the top and site plans. Elevations illustrate the dwelling’s exterior from various angles, highlighting its connection to the land. This careful context awareness emphasizes how the architecture responds to the natural landscape, creating a cohesive relationship between building and site.

In its design, the combination of water and greenery not only enhances the visual appeal but also reflects an awareness of ecological responsibility. This approach offers an example for future residential designs that aim to harmonize living spaces with the surrounding environment.

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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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