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Circular Lodge With Electric-Chromic Glass and Recycled Rubber Cladding in Mountain Landscape

Author:
Mark Manczyk
Circular Lodge With Electric-Chromic Glass and Recycled Rubber Cladding in Mountain Landscape

Project in-detail

Integrating electric-chromic glass within a circular form and utilizing recycled rubber cladding, the lodge offers a sustainable retreat designed for outdoor enthusiasts in a mountainous setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Installed electric-chromic glass enables users to adjust light and temperature dynamically.
02
Utilizes recycled rubber cladding for enhanced durability and insulation properties.
03
Incorporates a hydraulic self-leveling foundation to adapt to uneven terrain.
04
Features a circular design that maximizes views and minimizes material waste.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainability and water conservation.

### Project Overview

The mountain lodge concept is designed for a rugged terrain characterized by cold climates and snow-capped mountain vistas. Its primary intent is to provide a retreat for mountain climbers and outdoor enthusiasts while emphasizing a commitment to functionality and sustainability. The design utilizes distinct circular forms to optimize environmental interactions, enhance user comfort, and minimize material waste, positioning it as a forward-thinking installation within the context of mountain architecture.

### Spatial Arrangement

The interior layout promotes both communal interaction and private retreat. The sleeping quarters are clustered to ensure efficiency, accommodating climbers with ample storage for gear. Common areas, including a dining lounge with expansive vertical glazing, offer panoramic views of the mountains while fostering a connection to the surrounding landscape. Essential facilities, such as showers and kitchen areas, are strategically positioned for convenient access post-expedition, and shared bathrooms facilitate a communal living arrangement.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection balances contemporary innovations with traditional durability, tailored to withstand harsh weather while prioritizing eco-friendliness. The design incorporates a non-particle based membrane for exceptional insulation and heat retention. Electric-chromic vertical glazing units enable occupants to adjust light and temperature, enhancing energy efficiency. Additionally, hydraulic self-leveling foundations provide stability on uneven terrain, while recycled rubber cladding offers both aesthetic appeal and thermal insulation. Natural wood finishes in communal spaces introduce warmth, contrasting the exterior’s starkness.

Adaptive environmental systems are integrated to maximize sustainability, featuring rainwater harvesting and natural lighting components. The elastic structure of the lodge is engineered to adapt to ground shifts, employing materials that absorb seismic shocks. Modular construction permits ease of transport and potential expansion, affording flexibility for various mountaineering groups. This approach creates a harmonious relationship with the environment, exemplifying responsible design able to meet the demands of both users and nature.

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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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