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Waterway-Inspired Design Featuring Volcanic Tuff and Green Spaces in a Dining Experience

Author:
Sebastian Kawalec
Waterway-Inspired Design Featuring Volcanic Tuff and Green Spaces in a Dining Experience

Project in-detail

Incorporating a central waterway alongside volcanic tuff and lush green spaces, the design creates an immersive dining experience that bridges the indoors with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a central waterway that connects indoor and outdoor environments.
02
Integrates volcanic tuff as a primary material for both aesthetics and durability.
03
Features guest observatories to enhance the dining experience through unique vantage points.
04
Incorporates a cascade garden that enhances natural light and guest interaction.
05
Multi-functional areas allow for flexible use beyond standard dining operations.

"The Secret Garden" is an architectural design inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel. The setting is a unique space that serves as both a restaurant and a multi-functional area, encouraging exploration and interaction with nature. The design concept contrasts a bold exterior with a welcoming interior, inviting visitors to experience a journey of discovery.

Architecture Concept

The central idea revolves around creating a hidden sanctuary. The exterior stands as a solid and imposing structure, generating curiosity about what lies inside. Upon entering, guests encounter an inviting atmosphere rich with greenery. This shift from a stark outside to a vibrant interior signifies a transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The layout emphasizes paths of exploration, guiding visitors through various levels and spaces.

Spatial Arrangement

The building features multiple levels arranged to promote a sense of journey. The third floor includes an entrance area, a reception space, and two hotel rooms, making the building versatile. A prominent staircase links the different levels, encouraging movement and exploration.

On the second floor, there are functional spaces such as a technical room, restrooms, and a multifunctional room, along with an administration area. A staircase included in a themed garden adds to the experience, inviting visitors to engage with both the practical aspects and the visual beauty of the design.

Material Selection

Materials are thoughtfully chosen to enhance both the appearance and functionality of the design. The project utilizes wooden panels, reinforced concrete, mineral wool, glass, volcanic tuff, geotextile, and waterproofing membrane. These elements ensure durability and contribute to an overall visual language that aligns with themes of nature and sustainability.

Design Detail

A key feature of the design is the central garden, which includes a waterway. This element creates a sensory connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. It encourages visitors to appreciate the natural landscape while being in a controlled environment. The garden reinforces the theme of the project, acting as a hidden oasis waiting to be explored.

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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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