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Half-Dome Screens with Transparent Polycarbonate for Introspective Retreat

Author:
Maya Leites
Half-Dome Screens with Transparent Polycarbonate for Introspective Retreat

Project in-detail

Four half-dome screens constructed with transparent polycarbonate surround a circular platform, creating a reflective space that harmonizes with nature while offering an environment for introspection and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features four half-dome screens that adjust light and views throughout the day.
02
Transparent polycarbonate panels enhance natural light while maintaining visibility to the outdoors.
03
The circular platform allows for flexible use and encourages community interaction.
04
Laser-cut wood segments create intricate shading patterns, enhancing the interior ambiance.
05
Sustainable practices include graywater reuse for irrigation and solar energy for lighting.

The design draws inspiration from David Whyte's poem *A Seeming Stillness*, reflecting themes of movement and stillness in a natural setting. Located in Portugal, the project features a circular platform with four half-dome layered screens. This design promotes a tranquil environment where individuals can reflect and connect with nature. It successfully merges human experiences with the landscape, creating a thoughtful space for contemplation and interaction.

Materials and Construction

The layered screens are constructed from several carefully chosen materials. The first layer consists of transparent polycarbonate hexagonal panels that offer UV, water, and wind resistance. These panels allow natural light to filter through while providing views of the outside environment.

The second layer includes solid panels made from a wood frame and composite materials. These panels are lightweight yet strong, giving structural support. They can also be divided into two sections, making the interior flexible to accommodate different uses.

The third layer features shading wood screens crafted from laser-cut segments. This addition introduces a play of light and shadow inside the space, enhancing the occupants' sensory experience as they interact with their surroundings.

The final layer incorporates translucent stretched fabric over a steel frame, contributing to a softer visual appeal. This design element blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting the natural world into the experience while respecting the need for privacy.

Sustainability and Context

The project takes into account the climate of Portugal and employs strategies that prioritize sustainability. It includes natural ventilation and passive shading techniques to manage solar gain and ensure comfort in different weather conditions. The design reflects a dedication to eco-friendly practices, utilizing solar energy for lighting and heating along with implementing greywater reuse systems for irrigation.

Spatial Experience

The arrangement of the screens encourages a strong connection between occupants and their environment. This layout fosters an atmosphere of calmness and solitude but also promotes engagement with nature. Users can enjoy the subtleties of the landscape, such as changing light and ambient sounds, enhancing their overall experience in the space.

The careful layering of materials and design elements results in a sheltered area that integrates with the natural surroundings. It creates an experience defined by quiet contemplation and a deeper appreciation for the environment.

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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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