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Capsule Spaces with Semi-Translucent Glass in a Celestial Community Setting

Authors:
Mariana Rospigliosi, Camila Diaz
Capsule Spaces with Semi-Translucent Glass in a Celestial Community Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with semi-translucent glass and innovative capsule spaces, this community hub for astronomers fosters collaboration and connection to the cosmos within a tranquil forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Capsule meeting rooms accommodate varied group sizes for enhanced collaboration.
02
An interdimensional tunnel provides a unique transition between levels, simulating space travel.
03
The exterior platform offers unobstructed views of the night sky for astronomical observation.
04
Semi-translucent glass allows for daylight while maintaining a connection to the environment.
05
Reflective metal is used in the structural skeleton, enhancing modern aesthetics and stability.

Astro-home is a collaborative space for astronomers located in a forest. This setting offers a calm environment where users can connect with nature and engage in their studies of the universe. The design concept revolves around an interdimensional journey, allowing individuals to transition from the grounding elements of the forest to the expansive beauty of the night sky. It combines areas for relaxation, study, and social interaction among astronomers.

Concept and Layout

The layout consists of several levels, each fulfilling specific functions. The upper level features a meeting room designed with various space capsules, allowing for gatherings of different sizes. Larger capsules accommodate larger groups, while smaller ones provide space for private discussions. This layout supports both collaboration and individual reflection, creating an environment that encourages the sharing of ideas.

Connecting the upper spaces, the common exterior platform encourages social activity while providing views of the sky. This visual access is an important element, fostering a direct relationship between the users and their observations of celestial phenomena. As astronomers gather, they can share their insights, deepening their connection to the cosmos.

Spatial Experience

An intermediate level contains the interdimensional tunnel, which links the upper and lower levels. This tunnel serves as a journey between dimensions, reinforcing the theme of exploration. It enhances the experience of moving through space, making the transition between levels feel more engaging and connected to the overall design concept.

The lower level is focused on community, providing a living room for informal gatherings. This area is designed to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, allowing astronomers to feel further connected to nature. It creates an inviting space for social interaction, encouraging collaboration in a comfortable setting.

Materiality

Material choices play an important role in the overall design. The roof is made of semi-translucent glass, creating a connection with the sky while providing protection from the elements. The space capsules use opaque materials to display cosmic imagery. This feature enhances the sensory experience, allowing users to interact with their environment meaningfully.

In the interdimensional tunnel, bright neon lights contribute to the idea of traveling between different realms. Reflective metal forms the structural skeleton of the building, providing stability and a modern appearance. Warm wood elements in the flooring create a welcoming atmosphere, inviting users to engage comfortably with the space.

Astro-home encourages a connection between astronomers and their environment, balancing the need for collaboration with personal reflection. The design culminates in an atmosphere where nature and the study of the cosmos coexist, offering unique experiences that enrich the lives of its users.

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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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