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Glacial Forms Shaping User Engagement Through Integrated Substructure

Author:
Desmond Zeiber
Glacial Forms Shaping User Engagement Through Integrated Substructure

Project in-detail

Inspired by glacial forms, the design employs a robust substructure to enhance user engagement through designated high and low commitment zones, ultimately serving as an observatory and interactive gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by glacial formations, the design integrates sharp, organic forms into the landscape.
02
A robust substructure anchors the tensile structure, enhancing stability and usability.
03
High commitment zones encourage deeper user engagement through exploratory pathways.
04
Cave entrances add an interactive element, inviting curiosity and discovery.
05
The project emphasizes user-driven decision-making through spatial arrangement.

The design titled "Crevasse Divides Program to Force Decision Making" is situated in a landscape shaped by glacial influences. The concept emphasizes how the arrangement of spaces can guide user choices and enhance interactions. The project features a strong structural framework that connects different areas while anchoring a tensile design to the ground.

Design Concept

At the center of the design is a sturdy substructure that links various components while providing essential support. The sharp forms evoke the appearance of ice formations, creating a visual synergy with the natural surroundings. This approach aims to merge the architectural elements with the landscape, showcasing a thoughtful response to the environment.

Programmatic Arrangement

The layout divides spaces into categories based on user engagement levels. High commitment zones include an observatory, a cafe, cave entrances, and pathways that invite exploration. The observatory encourages visitors to connect with expansive views of the landscape. The cafe acts as a gathering space, fostering social interaction among users. Cave entrances add an element of adventure, allowing individuals to discover hidden features within the project.

Functional Spaces

Low commitment areas cater to the needs of workers and guests. Offices, restrooms, and additional cafe facilities ensure that practicality is not overlooked. This thoughtful distribution of spaces accommodates a range of users. It promotes comfort and accessibility while maintaining a unified design theme.

Structural Integrity

The project maintains its stability through columns that secure the tensile fabric in place. Platforms support various programmatic areas and are positioned strategically within the substructure. This combination allows for a layered interaction with the landscape. The integration of these structural components highlights a connection between nature and the built environment.

From the observatory, the view opens up across the landscape, creating a sense of place that invites users to engage with their surroundings. The design reflects a balance of function and environment, offering a clear response to both user needs and the site’s unique context.

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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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