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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.

### Overview
The design for the Trans-Siberian Railway Pit Stop focuses on creating a transitional space for travelers along one of the longest railway lines in the world. Located strategically within a rich historical and cultural landscape, the project aims to provide a moment of respite and orientation for passengers, ultimately enhancing the travel experience by fostering a sense of place amidst the vastness of their journey.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement
The architectural plan emphasizes **transience**, allowing travelers to reflect on their journey while offering a functional pause point. The design incorporates a modular approach, enabling adaptability across various contexts and ensuring that each pit stop retains a consistent identity. Key features such as **view boxes** facilitate interaction with the surroundings, engaging users in contemplation and connection through dedicated openings that frame the external environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection aligns with both functional and contextual considerations. Notable materials include **Siberian ash** for warm interior finishes and a **light gauge steel frame** that provides structural support and flexibility. The exterior utilizes a **faceted sheet metal façade**, paying homage to the industrial history of rail travel while contributing to a contemporary aesthetic. Furthermore, the design adheres to **PassivHaus standards** to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices within the architectural framework.

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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

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