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Water Harvesting Center With Natural Landscaping Integration

Author:
Wilan Rossouw
Water Harvesting Center With Natural Landscaping Integration

Project in-detail

Incorporating water harvesting systems and indigenous landscaping, the guesthouse creates a sustainable retreat that emphasizes immersion in the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central atrium functions as a passive climate control element.
02
Water harvested from the environment enhances sustainability.
03
Indigenous landscaping integrates local flora into the design.
04
Two distinct circulation loops promote diverse visitor experiences.
05
Roof design reflects local styles and maximizes landscape views.

The VOGAFJÓS GUESTHOUSE is located in a landscape defined by its striking topography. The design focuses on creating a space for visitors that allows them to connect with the natural environment. Attention to sustainability is apparent, as the project incorporates practices that enhance both the function and experience of the guesthouse.

Spatial Organization
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Public and private spaces are arranged around a central area, promoting community while allowing for individual comfort. The building features two connecting loops, one covered on the inside and the other open to the outside. This layout provides easy movement and encourages guests to engage with the surrounding nature.

Architectural Features
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The roof design takes inspiration from local styles, contributing to the overall character of the guesthouse. Its shape is designed to frame views of the sky and landscape, which helps to establish a connection between the indoors and outdoors. This thoughtful design helps draw attention to the beauty of the natural environment.

Central Atrium
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The central atrium serves as an important feature in the guesthouse. It acts as a natural way to control the indoor climate while also providing a visual focal point. This space enhances comfort and accessibility, connecting the various areas of the building. The atrium creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Emphasizing natural qualities
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Sustainability is a core principle of the design, with systems in place for collecting and using water from the environment. Incorporating local plants and landscaping supports ecological goals and enriches the experience for guests. The careful balance of nature and design leads to a pleasant and functional environment. The attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the guesthouse enhances the overall visitor experience.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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