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Reflective Facade and Stone Base Blending with Landscape as a Rest Stop Along the Trans-Siberian Route

Authors:
GERARDO GAVITO, VICTOR ACOLTZI, JORGE GUADARRAMA, LUIS GARCÍA
Reflective Facade and Stone Base Blending with Landscape as a Rest Stop Along the Trans-Siberian Route

Project in-detail

A folded roof of stainless steel and a base of local stone create a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape, providing a functional rest stop along the historic Trans-Siberian Railroad.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof design folds to mimic the surrounding terrain, enhancing visual harmony.
02
Reflective surfaces dynamically change with light, creating a living façade.
03
Constructed primarily from locally sourced stone, reinforcing regional identity.
04
Interior spaces promote fluidity, allowing for various visitor interactions.
05
Incorporates sustainable materials, minimizing ecological impact in design.

## Architectural Analysis Report: Folding Landscape Project

### Overview
The Folding Landscape project is located in a remote area of Russia, characterized by extreme environmental conditions. It aims to create a meaningful interplay between the natural landscape and the built environment by employing thoughtful architectural strategies. Designed as a rest stop along the historic Trans-Siberian Railroad, the structure serves both practical and symbolic functions within the broader geographical and cultural narrative of the region.

### Spatial Composition and User Engagement
The architectural form emerges from a unique folded plane that responds to the surrounding landscape. This design approach results in irregular geometries that enhance visual interest and engage users on multiple levels. The layout intentionally avoids traditional entrances and exits, allowing for a fluid circulation pattern that encourages visitors to navigate the space organically. Interior spaces are designed to maximize the interplay of natural light, creating layered textures that enrich the sensory experience.

The exterior design juxtaposes stone with sloped wood roofing, aligning with aspects of traditional Russian architecture while introducing contemporary elements. The stone foundation provides stability, while the wooden canopy extends outward, echoing the undulations of the nearby terrain.

### Materiality and Environmental Response
The project's material palette reflects local resources and climatic considerations, contributing to both sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Key materials include:

1. **Stone**: Utilized for structural integrity and a meaningful connection to the earth.
2. **Wood**: Chosen for its warmth and local availability, used in framing and interior elements.
3. **Frosted Glass**: Incorporated in the façade to diffuse natural light and enhance privacy.
4. **Stainless Steel**: Used for reflective surfaces, facilitating dynamic interactions with light and the environment.
5. **Parket**: Selected for flooring to foster an inviting atmosphere.

This combination of materials not only addresses durability and comfort but also underscores the project's responsiveness to its ecological context, creating a cohesive architectural expression that harmonizes with the landscape.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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