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Elevated Community Retreat With Wood Cover and Aluminum Structures

Authors:
Francisco Correa, Alejandro Villalobos, Gonzalo Chavez, Gomez Cadena
Elevated Community Retreat With Wood Cover and Aluminum Structures

Project in-detail

A carefully designed space with elevated views, wood cover, and aluminum structures offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the northern lights while enjoying the comforts of a community-focused retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The Cabin features a net above the circulation area for enhanced aurora viewing.
02
The Guest House is positioned at the highest elevation on the site for optimal landscape views.
03
Sustainable materials include wood cover and aluminum structures for durability.
04
The Stables provide an immersive experience with freely roaming horses.
05
Private living spaces for owners are integrated within the communal structure.

Luster House is an architectural complex designed for optimal viewing of the northern lights. Located in an area celebrated for its clear views of this natural phenomenon, the development includes three main components: The Cabin, the Guest House, and the Stables. The design focuses on both comfort and community, blending private living spaces with areas meant for social interaction while maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment.

The Cabin functions as a cozy space for small families, accommodating up to four people. It features necessary amenities, such as a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. One notable detail is the net above the circulation area. This net provides a unique spot for guests to relax and enjoy the northern lights. The design encourages inhabitants to engage with the outdoor spectacle while remaining comfortable indoors.

The Guest House serves as a social center for visitors. It includes a pool, terrace, and bar, fostering interaction among guests. Additionally, there are private living spaces for the owners. The structure is elevated on the site, offering great views of both the back lake and the northern lights. This strategic placement highlights the thoughtful approach to the landscape and helps visitors connect with the scenery.

The Stables play a key role in connecting residents and guests to nature. Horses are expected to roam outside, and sheltered areas are provided for their care. This aspect encourages an outdoor lifestyle and allows people to experience nature more closely. The presence of animals contributes to a peaceful ambiance, making the environment feel more inviting.

The overall design incorporates materials such as wood cover, aluminum structure, and wooden panels. These choices enhance both durability and visual appeal. Each material works together to create a balanced look that fits into the natural setting. A key feature is the netting in The Cabin, which not only serves practical purposes but also invites a constant interaction with the beauty of the northern lights.

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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

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