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Zig-Zag Roof Structure with Natural Wood and MDF Integration in a Forest Food Court

Author:
Ivana Brzovic
Zig-Zag Roof Structure with Natural Wood and MDF Integration in a Forest Food Court

Project in-detail

The design incorporates a zig-zag roof structure and unrefined tree trunks, creating an engaging food court that seamlessly blends with the surrounding forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof design incorporates a zig-zag structure to aid in water drainage.
02
MDF plates are cut to match the square footprints of the columns.
03
Columns are intentionally varied in height to enhance visual interest.
04
The use of unrefined tree trunks emphasizes a natural aesthetic.
05
Open corners of the food court create immersive connections with the forest.

The project is located in a forested area, focusing on creating an experience that connects with nature. It functions as a food court, designed to integrate with the surroundings in a way that allows the natural elements to play a significant role. The concept revolves around building a relationship between the constructed environment and the forest, giving visitors a space that encourages exploration and interaction.

Structural Elements

A wooden structure defines the space, featuring round columns and unrefined tree trunks. The materials were chosen to create a sense of lightness, minimizing the impact of the built environment while allowing the playfulness of the design to emerge. As people move through the dining area, the architecture feels like a backdrop to the natural beauty outside.

Roof Design

The roof is an essential aspect of the layout, performing multiple functions. It offers orientation to visitors and allows natural light to enter the space. The design balances complexity and simplicity, drawing inspiration from traditional wooden fences in the area. This component enhances the visual connection between the structure and the surrounding trees.

Column Configuration

The placement of columns is a prominent feature of the design. High columns are arranged at the inner third of the footprint, reaching a height of at least 5.5 meters. In contrast, low columns are found at the outer third, introducing a playful variation in height; the front row stands tall at 3 meters while the back row rises slightly higher. This arrangement adds depth and interest to the space, facilitating a variety of uses.

Material Utilization

Large MDF plates contribute to the overall structural design and visual consistency. These plates are shaped to match the square footprints and are attached to beams in a zig-zag pattern. This aspect of the design not only enhances visual dynamics but also helps manage water drainage, ensuring that practical needs are met alongside aesthetic goals.

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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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