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Dark Stone and Glass Openings in a Community Space Fostering Landscape Connection

Author:
Stephanie Fan
Dark Stone and Glass Openings in a Community Space Fostering Landscape Connection

Project in-detail

With a focus on dark stone and expansive glass openings, the design creates a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while serving as a multifunctional community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dark stone exterior enhances thermal performance and integrates with the natural surroundings.
02
Expansive glass openings provide unobstructed views and abundant natural light throughout the building.
03
The third-floor balcony offers a prime vantage point for viewing the northern lights.
04
A south-facing sunroom design maximizes passive solar gain while protecting the interior from heat loss.
05
Wide landings within the circulation path encourage occupants to pause and engage with the landscape.

The design focuses on creating a strong connection between the building's interior spaces and the landscape outside. Located in a setting that offers unique views, the structure serves as a community space while emphasizing natural light and openness. Large glass openings on the southern walls allow occupants to enjoy unobstructed views, reinforcing the idea that the indoors and outdoors are intertwined.

Design Intent

Visitors experience a carefully planned flow as they move through the building. Upon entering, they find a staircase with balconies that invite exploration. The presence of wide landings helps to slow down movement, encouraging people to pause and appreciate the views of the landscape. This design choice creates a natural rhythm within the space, making it easier for occupants to connect with their surroundings.

Architectural Features

As people reach the third floor, they are faced with two options: to step into the sauna or to venture out onto an outdoor balcony. This balcony, facing north, offers an impressive spot for viewing the northern lights during the evening. This feature enhances the building's relationship with nature, providing not just a space for relaxation but also a place to enjoy natural phenomena.

Material Selection

The building uses local dark stone and concrete within a steel frame, forming an appearance that complements the environment. Its unheated and uncooled exterior shell reflects a commitment to sustainability. The south-facing area serves as a sunroom, inviting sunlight while helping to maintain comfortable temperatures inside. These choices demonstrate a practical response to local climate conditions, improving the building's overall performance.

Carefully planned elements come together to create an environment that promotes interaction with the landscape. The way views are framed, and the pacing of movement within the building encourages contemplation, making the experience of space intertwined with the natural world. Each detail contributes to a setting where occupants can engage with both the building and its surroundings.

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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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