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ETFE and Polycarbonate Shelters for Cyclists on the EuroVelo 6 Route

Authors:
Kit yeung garrick Chan, Chao-yuan Liang, Nina gabrielle rivera Sanchez
ETFE and Polycarbonate Shelters for Cyclists on the EuroVelo 6 Route

Project in-detail

Using polycarbonate and ETFE, the design creates modular shelters that blend with the landscape while providing essential services for cyclists traversing the EuroVelo 6 route.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows easy transport and assembly at varied locations.
02
The shelters feature a dual function, serving as resting spaces by day and illuminated beacons by night.
03
Use of transparent polycarbonate enhances natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
ETFE provides lightweight insulation, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.
05
Service quarters include bike repair stations to support cyclist needs.

The project is located along the EuroVelo 6 route and is designed to serve the needs of cyclists and travelers who require a place to rest. The overall concept revolves around modular structures that connect with the natural surroundings. This creates shelters that are both functional and inviting, encouraging interaction among users. The aim is to enhance the experience of those journeying through this landscape.

Modularity and Functionality
The design is divided into three modules: the living quarter, the sleeping quarter, and the service quarter. Each module has a specific purpose, allowing for efficient use of space. The living quarter is intended for social interaction, where travelers can gather and share experiences. The sleeping quarter, situated at a higher level, is designed with stepped floors to provide privacy while still maintaining a sense of openness. The service quarter features essential amenities such as toilets, showers, and bike repair stations, ensuring that all practical needs of the visitors are met.

Connection to Nature
The architectural forms are designed to fit into their natural environment, focusing on a smooth relationship between the built structure and the landscape. This approach creates a calming atmosphere for users, allowing them to feel at home in their surroundings. The understated design enhances the experience of traveling, presenting these shelters as more than places to rest but as integral parts of the journey.

Material Use
Certain materials are carefully chosen to support both the appearance and function of the shelters. Polycarbonate is used to create a translucent enclosure that brings in natural light while maintaining privacy during the day. Additionally, ETFE, a lightweight and insulating material, helps to provide shade in warmer weather and retain heat during colder nights. This selection of materials addresses the challenges of the local environment and aligns with sustainability considerations.

Dual Purpose Design
The shelters offer a dual experience; during daylight, they blend with the landscape and appear unobtrusive. At night, the structures glow softly, inviting travelers in and creating a sense of safety. This ability to change appearance throughout the day adds to the user experience, transforming a simple shelter into a welcoming space that enhances the journey.

The living quarters include flexible seating arrangements, allowing users to adapt the space according to their needs. Soft lighting along pathways helps create a warm atmosphere for those arriving after dark, encouraging visitors to feel at ease in their 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

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