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Modular Stopover Crafted from Faceted Metal and Siberian Ash for Trans-Siberian Travelers

Authors:
Rebecca McKinney, Guillermo Moran
Modular Stopover Crafted from Faceted Metal and Siberian Ash for Trans-Siberian Travelers

Project in-detail

Crafted from faceted metal and Siberian ash, the modular stopover serves as a functional respite for travelers along the Trans-Siberian Railway, combining contemporary design with sustainable materials to enhance the journey experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from faceted metal, the exterior reflects local industrial heritage while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
02
Strategic use of Siberian ash enhances thermal comfort and provides a warm interior ambiance.
03
View boxes integrated into the structure allow travelers to engage with the surrounding landscape.
04
Designed to meet PassivHaus standards, promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
05
Modular components enable adaptability for various locations along the railway route.
The Trans-Siberian Railway Pit Stop is an architectural project designed to serve as a functional and aesthetic space along one of the world’s most extensive railway systems. This structure acts as a transitional hub, providing travelers with a moment of respite during long journeys. Emphasizing both utility and experience, the project balances the requirements of diverse user activities with a thoughtful design that reflects the surrounding environment.

Attention to modularity in the design allows the architectural solution to adapt to different contexts along the railway. The implementation of durable materials such as Siberian ash for interior finishes, a light gauge steel frame for structural support, and a faceted sheet metal facade speaks to the industrial legacy of rail travel while ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. The project aims to enhance user interaction with both the architecture and the landscape, thus encouraging a connection to the journey itself.

Unique Aspects of the Design Approach

The project distinguishes itself from typical railway stops through its focus on user experience and environmental integration. The inclusion of mixed-use modules enables various functionalities such as waiting areas, vending options, and restroom facilities, effectively making the pit stop a multifunctional space. View boxes, designed to offer glimpses of the dynamic landscape, not only serve as architectural features but also promote engagement between the travelers and the environment, ensuring that the architecture contributes to the sensory experience of the journey.

Additionally, the dynamic facade serves both aesthetic and functional purposes by responding to environmental changes, enhancing the building’s visual interplay with the site. The commitment to sustainability is evident in the adherence to PassivHaus standards, which reduces energy consumption, highlighting a forward-thinking approach in contemporary architectural practice.

Insights into Architectural Integration

The architectural design incorporates a range of considerations that enhance its functionality. The careful selection of materials provides thermal comfort while creating an inviting atmosphere indoors. The design’s minimalistic approach within the interior contrasts with the robust industrial exterior, creating a dialogue between the two elements.

The incorporation of elements like concrete seating and PLY sheathing underscores the overall goal of delivering an adaptable and comfortable environment for travelers. This architectural integrity aligns closely with the broader objectives of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which seeks to create meaningful connections across diverse landscapes and cultures.

For more insights into this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to examine the full project presentation. Understanding the underlying architectural ideas will provide a deeper appreciation of how this pit stop enhances the travel experience along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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