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Water-Integrated Ports Connecting Human Experience and Landscape

Author:
Helin Ogan
Water-Integrated Ports Connecting Human Experience and Landscape

Project in-detail

Water-integrated ports create a unique interface between natural landscapes and human movement, inviting exploration and reflection in a space designed for connectivity and environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
Water-integrated ports enhance connectivity with the landscape.
02
The design emphasizes human movement and interaction with nature.
03
Strategic placement of entry points reflects historical migration routes.
04
The pavilion layout encourages exploration of significant geographical areas.
05
Reflective surfaces create an introspective environment for visitors.

The Pavilion of Humanity: First Contact explores the important relationship between humans and nature, focusing particularly on movement and migration. Located in a landscape designed for interaction with natural elements, the pavilion acts as both a place for exhibitions and a connection to the environment. The design centers around the idea of water, highlighting its essential role in human life while also revealing the complexities involved in humanity's relationship with nature.

Integration with Water

Water plays a crucial role in the design, representing both life and challenge. It highlights the historical connection between people and this vital resource. The pavilion is organized around specific points that connect it to the land, illustrating how natural and built environments come together. These points have been strategically chosen to reflect the importance of various areas where human activities intersect with nature.

Connectivity and Exploration

The design encourages movement and exploration through its layout. Visitors can navigate defined pathways, enabling them to connect with significant historical locations. This arrangement fosters a lively environment, allowing for an interaction among different forms of life, which enhances the overall experience of the space.

Introspection and Environmental Stewardship

The pavilion invites visitors to reflect on human achievements and the responsibilities that accompany them. By focusing on the interaction with water and the landscape, the design inspires a sense of care towards the environment. It prompts people to consider their role in maintaining balance between human development and the natural world.

Transitional Design Elements

A notable detail is how the architectural surfaces blend with the surrounding landscape, creating a natural flow between the built environment and its setting. This approach improves the visual appeal and reinforces the theme of connectivity, illustrating the idea of human migration and their ongoing relationship with nature.

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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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