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Mirrored Aluminum Facade Enhances Elevated Living Experience in Nature

Author:
Vladimir Lubarski
Mirrored Aluminum Facade Enhances Elevated Living Experience in Nature

Project in-detail

Rising three meters above the ground, the mirrored aluminum facade reflects its natural surroundings while providing a private retreat designed for short-term rentals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated by three meters to enhance security and views.
02
Mirrored aluminum facade reflects the surrounding landscape.
03
Compact design integrates living, bathroom, and bedroom efficiently.
04
Upper-level bedroom features expansive panoramic windows.
05
Designed for flexibility as a short-term rental or vacation retreat.

The recent birdhouse concept is situated in a natural setting that highlights security and an intimate connection to the environment. This structure is raised three meters above the ground, providing a distinct perspective while ensuring safety for its occupants. The design addresses modern living needs while incorporating sustainable features.

Spatial Organization

The layout is divided across two levels for optimal use of space. The first floor includes a living room measuring 15.7 square meters, a bathroom at 2.6 square meters, and a bedroom that is 5.2 square meters, combining for a total area of 23.5 square meters. This arrangement encourages interaction between public and private spaces. The second floor continues this trend with a dedicated bedroom boasting a panoramic window. This feature enhances views and improves the overall living experience by inviting natural light inside.

Materiality

An important aspect of the design is the mirrored aluminum facade that wraps around the structure. This choice helps the building blend into its surroundings by reflecting the landscape. It serves not only aesthetic purposes but also plays a role in energy efficiency.

Structural Strategy

The design employs lightweight construction methods, allowing the house to be situated on varied terrains, even on existing buildings. This flexibility minimizes the need for alterations to the landscape, making the project suitable for diverse locations. The elevated nature of the structure also improves security and provides a sense of privacy, making it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Sustainability and Functionality

The inclusion of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, aligns the design with current sustainability goals. This thoughtful layout supports various uses, including short-term rentals and vacation stays, ensuring comfort without sacrificing functionality.

A key design detail is the panoramic window in the upper-level bedroom, offering generous views of the surrounding scenery. This feature strengthens the building's connection to the landscape while enhancing the overall experience for residents.

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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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