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Bi-Fold Doors and Norway Spruce Cladding Highlighting a Serene Couples Retreat

Author:
Franciszek Maj
Bi-Fold Doors and Norway Spruce Cladding Highlighting a Serene Couples Retreat

Project in-detail

Norway spruce cladding and bi-fold doors create a seamless connection between indoor living and nature, establishing a tranquil retreat for couples in the heart of the northern landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Norway spruce cladding enhances durability and integrates with the natural environment.
02
Bi-fold doors create a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
An open roof courtyard promotes natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
Sheep's wool insulation provides effective energy efficiency.
05
The layout encourages both communal interaction and private retreats.

The Lyngen Getaway is located in the northern region of Norway, designed to connect with the area’s beautiful landscapes and unique light conditions. The retreat serves as a peaceful escape, catering mainly to couples looking to enjoy quiet time together. It combines modern design with a focus on natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Architectural Concept

The design aims to make the most of natural light and promote a sense of openness throughout the home. Large windows allow sunlight to fill the living spaces, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. The layout encourages a free flow of movement, making it easy for occupants to navigate between different areas. The goal is to blend the indoors with the natural surroundings, enhancing the overall living experience.

Spatial Organization

The floor plan consists of key areas such as the living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and an open courtyard. These spaces are arranged to provide both areas for connection and places for privacy. The courtyard serves as a natural divide between private spaces and open areas, allowing for a tranquil atmosphere without sacrificing light. The design encourages occupants to enjoy the outdoors while still feeling at home inside.

Material Selection

Choice of materials plays a significant role in shaping the character of the getaway. Norway spruce cladding is used on the exterior, providing durability and a warm aesthetic. Inside, sheep’s wool insulation improves energy efficiency while maintaining comfort. Walls are finished with plasterboard for a clean look, and pine flooring adds warmth and texture to the living areas. Each material has been selected to support both functional needs and visual appeal.

Design Detail

A prominent feature of the design is the incorporation of bi-fold doors. These doors connect the living space to the garden, creating an easy transition from inside to outside. When opened, they extend the living area and invite the fresh air and light of the garden into the home. This thoughtful design enriches the experience of both the interior and the surrounding nature, blending them into one harmonious environment.

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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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