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Floating Steel Structure with Transparent Facade and Community-Centric Design

Authors:
Adrian Aranda, Luis Rubio
Floating Steel Structure with Transparent Facade and Community-Centric Design

Project in-detail

A transparent facade envelops a floating steel structure that harmonizes with its mountain landscape, creating a community-oriented transport hub designed to facilitate connectivity and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating roof design supported by slender columns enhances spatial openness.
02
Extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Polycarbonate panels improve thermal performance while maintaining visual transparency.
04
Community-oriented layout promotes interaction through informal gathering spaces.
05
Sustainable energy integration includes provisions for on-site wind turbines.

### Architectural Design Report: "Within The Box"

#### Overview
The project "Within The Box" is situated in the mountainous region of Siberia, drawing inspiration from the historical context of the Siberian railway. It aims to integrate the legacy of traditional rail infrastructure with contemporary design principles. The goal is to reimagine the conventional train station as an interactive community space that serves both functional and social needs, reflecting the duality of heritage and innovation inherent in high-speed rail transport.

#### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The design emphasizes a unique spatial organization that accommodates multiple functions, including restrooms, an information center, and storage. These areas are configured to enhance user comfort and promote efficient movement, while interstitial spaces between functional zones serve as informal gathering spots. The building's layout is intended to create a welcoming environment that fosters social interaction and engagement, essential for a bustling transport hub.

#### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
Incorporating modern materials such as glass, steel, and polycarbonate, the structure enhances transparency and lightness while maintaining durability and energy efficiency. Glass facades invite the surrounding landscape into the interior, creating a connection between users and the environment. The steel framework ensures structural stability with a slender profile, contributing to a refined aesthetic. Polycarbonate elements help to manage thermal performance. The building's strategic positioning and landscaping further highlight its commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to its natural context, symbolized by the integration of wind turbines within the landscape.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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