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Balconies That Embrace Mountain Views with Slope-Integrated Shelters

Author:
Erika Frank
Balconies That Embrace Mountain Views with Slope-Integrated Shelters

Project in-detail

Elevated balcony spaces integrated into slope-adjacent shelters provide panoramic mountain views while offering essential resting areas for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated balcony spaces enhance user engagement with the surrounding landscape.
02
Openings within the shelters maximize natural light and scenic views.
03
Design prioritizes integration with natural slopes for improved functionality.
04
Iterative design process allows for tailored responses to each site.
05
Focus on replicability ensures adaptability across multiple trail locations.

The "Sleeping Shelter" project is located along mountain trails, providing places for outdoor enthusiasts to rest. The design focuses on creating shelters that protect users from different weather conditions while allowing them to connect with the surrounding landscape. This concept emphasizes the ability to replicate these shelters in various locations, ensuring each one serves both practical needs and enhances the outdoor experience.

Design Intent

Each shelter is made to offer shade and shelter from rain and sun, meeting the vital needs of those who are active in nature. Designated bedding areas encourage users to rest comfortably while enjoying their natural surroundings. Openings in the shelters allow occupants to experience the beauty of the landscape, bringing the outside in and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

Spatial Configuration

A key feature of the design is the balcony space, which provides an elevated area for users to relax and enjoy the views. This design element creates a transition between indoor and outdoor areas, enhancing the experience by encouraging interaction with the environment. The layout not only allows for relaxation but also promotes a mindful connection to nature.

Iterative Design Process

The development of the Sleeping Shelter involves an iterative design process that considers how each structure interacts with the slopes where they are placed. This careful consideration of the topography informs decisions about orientation and positioning. Questions around how space engages with the landscape play a significant role in shaping the final design.

Potential Materials

While specific materials are not detailed, the design suggests a focus on sustainable choices that would fit well within outdoor settings. The intention to blend the shelters with their natural surroundings points to careful thought around material selection, prioritizing durability and environmental harmony.

A notable detail is the balcony area, which offers extensive views of the mountainous landscape, encouraging users to step outside, breathe deeply, and take in the scenery.

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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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