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Curvilinear Roofs and Interactive Walls Crafted from Sustainable Timber Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Author:
James Martin
Curvilinear Roofs and Interactive Walls Crafted from Sustainable Timber Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Project in-detail

Inspired by nomadic architecture, the design showcases curvilinear roofs and an interactive media wall constructed from sustainable timber, creating functional pit stops that educate travelers along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by traditional nomadic structures, the design incorporates curvilinear roofs to enhance spatial dynamics.
02
An interactive media wall educates travelers about local history while providing an engaging user experience.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels, the structure promotes sustainable building practices.
04
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior cladding, offering durability and a unique aesthetic.
05
The modular layout allows for efficient spatial organization while accommodating diverse traveler needs.

### Project Overview

"History Evolves" is an architectural initiative designed to establish modular pit stops along the Trans-Siberian Railway, with a primary focus on Irkutsk. The project aims to accommodate travelers' needs while honoring the railway's cultural heritage and historical context. The design seeks to enrich the travel experience through educational and interactive elements that highlight the local history and culture, drawing inspiration from traditional architecture and the functional requirements of modern travelers.

### Design and Materials

**Form and Layout**: The structures exhibit flowing organic forms that contrast with the linearity of the railway. The layout promotes flexibility, featuring designated areas such as a main entry, a display wall for cultural exhibits, an interactive media wall, and essential amenities. A distinctive roof design, with undulating lines, enhances the aesthetic connection to both traditional truss bridges and the region's natural landscape.

**Material Selection**: The choice of materials reflects a dialogue between historic and contemporary influences. A lightweight structural frame, inspired by traditional bridge designs, provides support while maintaining efficiency. The interactive media wall serves as an educational resource, showcasing local art and historical narratives, thereby reinforcing community identity. The exterior may utilize modern metal panels, optimizing sustainability and visual impact, while the interior features natural wood flooring to create a warm atmosphere and support eco-friendly practices.

### User Engagement and Community Integration

The project includes an interactive media wall that transforms the pit stop into an engaging space for travelers, allowing dynamic interaction with historical information and local narratives. This feature not only serves educational purposes but also aims to foster a sense of community connection and cultural appreciation. By integrating elements of nomadic culture and historical design motifs, the project emphasizes the importance of identity and heritage in the context of contemporary architecture. The overall approach underscores a commitment to sustainability and efficient space utilization, aligning with current architectural practices focused on ecological responsibility.

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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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