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Wooden Structures Embracing Nature With Integrated Resting Spaces

Authors:
Nevena Balalic, Katarina Petrovic, Marina Ilic
Wooden Structures Embracing Nature With Integrated Resting Spaces

Project in-detail

Elevating the experience of nature, fragmented wooden structures provide essential resting spaces along a pathway, integrating sustainable design with a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fragmented configurations create distinct resting areas that promote user interaction with nature.
02
Wooden structures are designed for modular assembly, allowing for easy relocation and adaptability.
03
Service points are strategically oriented towards a central river, enhancing the connection to the landscape.
04
Vertical connections provide elevated viewpoints for increased engagement with the surrounding environment.
05
Sustainable materials prioritize local sourcing, emphasizing environmental responsibility and community identity.

FRAGMENTS engages with the natural landscape through a design that emphasizes the relationship between built forms and their surroundings. Set in a vibrant forest environment, the design provides service points for resting, warming up, eating, and meditation. The overall concept revolves around fragmented structures that promote exploration and connection, combining the journey through nature with the necessary functionality for users.

Modular System

The design utilizes a modular system to enable easy transport and assembly, making it adaptable to different geographical settings. This approach ensures that the landscape remains largely untouched while still offering essential services. Each module operates independently as well as part of a network of service points, inviting users to engage actively with the environment.

Material Selection

Sustainability is a key focus, with an emphasis on wood as a renewable resource. Main structures made from wood provide both aesthetic and structural value, while additional wooden elements enhance practicality. Wood finishes contribute texture and cohesion to the design, creating a visual language that connects the built environment with the natural habitat.

Spatial Orientation

Service points are carefully positioned to face a river that is central to the site. This alignment not only offers easy access to facilities but also deepens the visitor's experience by connecting them with important natural features. Vertical elements guide users to higher viewing points, allowing for contemplation of the surrounding landscape.

Functional Detailing

The architectural framework includes steel bases to provide stability and durability, adapting to changing weather conditions while ensuring a secure foundation. By using the land's natural contours, the foundation design harmonizes with the environment, reinforcing the intent to blend architecture with nature. Each fragment uniquely enhances the landscape, serving as a place of rest and reflection for those exploring the path.

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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

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