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Biomimetic Design Featuring Anodized Aluminum and Large Glass Openings in a Wellness Retreat

Author:
金硕 林
Biomimetic Design Featuring Anodized Aluminum and Large Glass Openings in a Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

An elevated structure inspired by local birch trees, utilizing anodized aluminum and extensive glazing, creates a seamless connection with nature in a wellness retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure on stilts minimizes environmental impact while providing expansive views.
02
Biomimetic design draws inspiration from birch trees to create a harmonious aesthetic.
03
Extensive glazing enhances natural light and promotes indoor-outdoor connectivity.
04
Anodized aluminum provides durability while maintaining a modern visual appeal.
05
Thoughtfully organized layout balances communal and private spaces for user interaction.

## Project Overview
Located in a coastal and forested region near the beach at coordinates 57.5186664, 21.673886, this wellness retreat is designed to facilitate accommodation and yoga activities within a natural setting. The overarching intent is to create a space that fosters a strong connection to nature while providing functional areas that support practices of rejuvenation and self-exploration.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout strategically divides essential amenities into distinct functional zones. The ground floor houses a lobby that flows into the yoga area, allowing for seamless user interaction. Designed as an expansive and open space, the yoga area incorporates large glass openings that enhance engagement with the surrounding landscape, while high ceilings contribute to a spacious and uplifting atmosphere. Additionally, communal spaces encourage interaction among guests, enhancing the overall community feel essential to wellness retreats.

### Material and Environmental Considerations
The building’s design pays homage to the local birch trees, guiding both its form and material selection. A raised structure on stilts elevates the building to minimize ecological impact, allowing for uninterrupted views while facilitating natural airflow, thereby reducing reliance on mechanical climate control. Materials such as stainless steel, glass, fir, and oak are employed to ensure durability, enhance comfort, and promote transparency, connecting users physically and visually to the environment. The roof’s layered design mimics the configuration of birch leaves, improving its aesthetic and functional performance by efficiently channeling wind and sheltering from precipitation. This approach underscores a commitment to sustainable architectural practices that respect and integrate with the natural ecosystem.

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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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