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Mirror-Clad Structure Connecting Nature Through Native Wood Elements

Author:
Jiang Wang
Mirror-Clad Structure Connecting Nature Through Native Wood Elements

Project in-detail

A mirror-clad facade reflects its surroundings while a native wood interior creates a warm atmosphere, aimed at fostering communal engagement and leisure activities within a multi-functional space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirror-clad facade minimizes visual impact by reflecting the surrounding landscape.
02
Native wood siding enhances the warmth and comfort of interior spaces.
03
The design features a tall volume with expansive windows to maximize natural light.
04
A flexible theater room allows for various configurations based on user needs.
05
The elevated base helps preserve the existing natural landscape and ecology.

The design features a contemporary structure that thoughtfully engages with its surroundings. Located in a natural setting, the building serves both communal and recreational purposes. The concept revolves around the use of geometric forms, with two rectangular volumes, one rotated 90 degrees, creating a transition from tall to low spaces.

Design Structure

The building is divided into two main parts. The taller volume contains a large window that brings in natural light, connecting the interior to the outside landscape. This design choice enhances the view and fosters a strong relationship with nature. The lower volume is designed for leisure activities, such as movie viewing, effectively addressing varying user needs while maintaining a coherent overall appearance.

Facade and Location

A notable feature is the mirror-clad facade that reflects the surrounding environment. This material choice reduces the visual impact of the building, allowing it to blend into the landscape. The elevated base also helps minimize effects on the natural ground, conserving the original landscape beneath and ensuring less disruption to the ecology.

Interior Comfort

Inside, native wood siding materials create a welcoming atmosphere. This choice contributes to the warmth of the spaces, adding to the comfort for occupants. The design includes essential areas, such as restrooms and storage, which integrate well into the overall layout to support usability and accessibility across the building.

Flexibility of Spaces

A multi-function room with large windows promotes clear views of the outdoor area, reinforcing the connection to nature. The theater space is designed for flexibility, allowing different configurations depending on user needs. This approach reflects a commitment to functional design, creating spaces that adapt while ensuring a sense of unity throughout.

Light floods the tall area, accentuating the interplay of materials and unique forms present in the design.

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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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