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Artificial Clouds and Glass Encasement Overlooking Lake Hallwil

Authors:
Vrutangi Patel, Kshitij Wadhwa
Artificial Clouds and Glass Encasement Overlooking Lake Hallwil

Project in-detail

Drawing water from Lake Hallwil to generate an artificial cloud, this residence blends a glass cube structure with a metal cage, creating a unique living environment that harmonizes with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Artificial clouds are generated using high-pressure water jets that draw directly from Lake Hallwil.
02
The residence is designed as a three-level glass cube encased in a parametric metal cage.
03
A central green court features openable roof panels, inviting nature indoors.
04
The design utilizes a brise soleil system to effectively manage sunlight exposure.
05
Adjustable cloud density allows for customizable light and atmospheric conditions within the home.

BECLOUD is located on the shores of Lake Hallwil. The residence is designed to blend with its natural surroundings. At its heart is a glass cube that spans three levels, creating bright and open living spaces. This concept allows occupants to feel close to the landscape, with views that connect them to the serenity of the water.

Structural Framework

The home is surrounded by a cage made of metal members. This structure provides essential support for the glass cube and contributes to the overall look of the building. Using glass and metal together, the design balances transparency and strength. The result is a home that feels both light and durable, inviting nature inside while standing firm against the elements.

Environmental Interaction

A notable feature of BECLOUD is the high-pressure water jet nozzles that draw water from the lake. These nozzles create an artificial cloud around the house. This cloud can be adjusted in density, allowing residents to change the light and atmosphere within their home. By responding to changing weather, this feature offers both a visual delight and an enhanced living experience.

Interior Layout

Inside, the spaces open up to a central green court. This area includes roof panels that can be opened, allowing natural elements to flow into the home. This layout encourages a connection between indoor and outdoor settings. The design emphasizes a natural feel, creating an environment that invites the outside world in while providing comfort and shelter.

Light Management

The metal cage also acts as a sunshade, managing the amount of sunlight that enters the home. This helps keep interior spaces comfortable and reduces energy use. By controlling light levels, the design contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. The thoughtful use of materials and structures ensures that the home remains a cozy retreat, no matter the time of day.

With its ability to engage with the landscape, BECLOUD offers a unique living experience. It blends nature with the comforts of home, creating a simple yet effective architectural expression.

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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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