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Flickering Fire and Reflective Spaces in a Mountain Retreat

Author:
Yian Yang
Flickering Fire and Reflective Spaces in a Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

With a central fire point and carefully crafted reflective surfaces, the design harmonizes with its mountainous surroundings while serving as a serene retreat for contemplation and gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flickering central fire enhances communal gathering.
02
Reflective surfaces interact with natural light throughout the day.
03
Careful spatial arrangements prioritize moments of solitude.
04
Design harmonizes with the mountain landscape for immersive experiences.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic and protective qualities.

The Fireplace is an architectural design situated in a wide mountain landscape, focusing on the connection between the built environment and the natural world. It serves as a quiet retreat, encouraging visitors to engage in reflection while surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness. The overall design concept promotes an immersive experience, integrating architectural elements that align with their surroundings.

Spatial Arrangement

Key spaces within the design foster both personal reflection and community among visitors. A central flickering fire acts as a gathering point, providing warmth and comfort. This arrangement invites people to come together, share moments, and connect with one another in a peaceful setting.

Relationship with Nature

The design emphasizes an engaging relationship with the landscape. Mention of wind and water suggests the potential use of reflective materials, enhancing visual experiences. As light changes throughout the day, the play of shadows and highlights creates a shifting atmosphere, allowing occupants to perceive the architecture in different moods.

Atmosphere and Experience

A feeling of stillness is central to the design, encouraging quiet moments of introspection. Spatial arrangements and views are crafted to promote a sense of calm, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate their surroundings. This focus on tranquility aligns with the aim of connecting people to the natural environment.

The Fireplace is designed to blend with its setting, featuring elements that resonate with the surrounding landscape. The choice of natural materials is likely a consideration, aiming to enhance the sensory experience for visitors. Each detail reflects an effort to create a harmonious relationship between the building and the wilderness.

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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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