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Elevated Coastal Retreat Featuring Angular Design and Steel Framework

Authors:
Audra Gravrogk, Serena Liv Gravrogk Linde, Martin Atle Gravrogk Linde
Elevated Coastal Retreat Featuring Angular Design and Steel Framework

Project in-detail

An elevated structure on stilts, constructed with a steel framework and expansive glass facades, maximizes coastal views while providing a functional living space that integrates seamlessly with its maritime environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
An elevated design on three steel supports minimizes site disruption and enhances ocean views.
02
Extensive use of glass creates a seamless visual connection between interior spaces and the exterior landscape.
03
The combination of angular forms and an A-frame structure offers distinctive aesthetic and functional benefits.
04
Sustainable wood materials include cross-laminated panels, ensuring durability and environmental sensitivity.
05
The layout balances communal gathering areas with private zones, fostering both interaction and solitude.
The Beach Box project is a contemporary architectural design located on Pahlitt Beach in southern Sweden. This two-story beach house emphasizes a strong connection to its coastal environment while providing functional living space. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the structure uses an elevated form to minimize environmental impact and to optimize views of the ocean.

One of the defining aspects of the Beach Box is its elevated construction, supported by three angled steel legs. This raised platform not only allows for stunning visual access to the beach and horizon but also ensures protection against potential flooding. The use of an open floor plan promotes fluidity among interior spaces, enabling social interaction while maintaining separate areas for privacy.

Use of Materials and Design Language

The material palette of the Beach Box includes steel, glass, wood, and concrete. The structural framework is primarily composed of steel, providing both strength and flexibility in form. Large expanses of glass on the upper level create a visual transparency that connects the interior with the exterior, enhancing the experience of seaside living. Wooden surfaces, including flooring and outdoor decking, introduce a tactile warmth that balances the sleekness of glass and steel. Concrete is employed for the foundation, ensuring durability and stability.

Unique Design Elements

What differentiates the Beach Box from other beach houses is its angular geometry and thoughtful integration with the natural environment. The design utilizes the structure's height to create a viewing platform, transforming the house into an observation point for its occupants. The choice of materials allows for a modern aesthetic, while the design respects the coastal landscape, keeping the structure aligned with sustainable building practices.

Furthermore, the balance between communal and private spaces is a notable aspect of the design. The layout encourages interaction through shared areas, like the upper floor, while still providing intimate settings on the lower level for relaxation and solitude. This duality enhances the overall user experience, making it suitable for families or groups.

Exploration of Architectural Details

To fully understand the intricacies of the Beach Box project, one can explore architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. These documents provide insights into the spatial dynamics and structural considerations that inform the overall design philosophy. For those interested in contemporary architecture and coastal design, a closer examination of these elements can shed light on the innovative approaches used in this project.

Delve into the architectural presentation to appreciate the thoughtful integration of design and environment found in the Beach Box.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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