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Perforated Facade and Openable Wings in A Cliffside Retreat

Author:
Jovana Dmitric
Perforated Facade and Openable Wings in A Cliffside Retreat

Project in-detail

The interplay of a perforated facade and openable wings creates a unique living environment that immerses residents in the natural landscape of the cliff, serving as a tranquil retreat for reflection and renewal.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facade incorporates intricate perforations that create dynamic shadows throughout the day.
02
Each sleeping unit features openable wings for personalized environmental control.
03
A wardrobe wall design separates sleeping areas while maximizing communal space.
04
Strategically placed windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding cliffside.
05
Lightweight materials ensure minimal environmental impact and easy integration with the landscape.

The Sleeping Pods on a Cliff represent a thoughtful merging of design and nature, located on a dramatic cliffside. These pods act as a retreat for individuals seeking tranquility in a modern living space. The concept centers on simplicity and mindfulness, making the most of the natural surroundings. It offers a balance between personal privacy and opportunities for social interaction.

Building Form

The facade of the sleeping pods is a clear, white surface that features perforations and geometric designs. These elements allow natural light to enter while creating interesting patterns of light and shadow inside. This connection to the outdoor environment enhances the experience of living within the pods, as it promotes awareness of the changing conditions outside.

Space Configuration

Two separate sleeping units are designed to encourage privacy while still allowing for shared community space. Each unit is accessed through independent openable wings, giving users control over their surroundings. This flexible arrangement supports different needs, whether an individual seeks solitude or wants to engage with others.

Interior Functionality

Internally, a wardrobe wall separates the sleeping areas from a common zone equipped with a sofa and coffee table. This layout encourages social interaction without compromising the comfort of personal space. Large windows bring in light and provide views of the outside, contributing to a peaceful and calming atmosphere for residents.

Material Choices

The construction materials include wood, metal, glass, and ceramic. This combination results in a lightweight structure that feels airy and open. Wood adds warmth to the interiors, while metal and glass contribute to a clean, modern look. The thoughtful choice of materials strengthens the connection between the living spaces and the natural landscape.

The facade’s perforations are a noteworthy detail, crafting patterns that shift and change throughout the day. Light filters through, creating a dynamic environment that varies as the sun moves.

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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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