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Reflective Facade of Recycled Glass with Cross-Laminated Shelter in a Secure Haven

Author:
Adriana Toader
Reflective Facade of Recycled Glass with Cross-Laminated Shelter in a Secure Haven

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated panels and clad in recycled mirror glass, the design creates a reflective facade that fosters introspection and safety, serving as a secure refuge for its inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Walls made from cross-laminated insulated panels provide strength and energy efficiency.
02
Exterior features recycled mirror glass that reflects the surrounding environment.
03
Rotating fins adjust for light and privacy while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
04
A platform lift within the shower offers direct access to the roof garden.
05
The layout includes specific zones for cooking, working, and introspection.

INNER SANCTUM is designed as a refuge in a post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing safety, self-reflection, and sustainable living. The concept focuses on providing a secure environment that allows occupants to engage deeply with both their internal and external settings. The layout encourages a redefined relationship with the surrounding world, prioritizing comfort and security amid uncertainty.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the layout consists of carefully defined zones that serve specific purposes: cooking, living, working, sleeping, WC/shower, storage, courtyard, and roof garden. This thoughtful arrangement maximizes functionality while ensuring that personal and communal spaces are effectively integrated. The roof garden not only beautifies the environment but also aids in rainwater collection, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices in design.

Materiality

The choice of materials contributes significantly to the identity of INNER SANCTUM. Walls are constructed from cross-laminated insulated panels, which provide structural strength and improve energy efficiency. The exterior features recycled mirror glass taken from office buildings, which helps the structure to blend into its surroundings. Visible timber battens are used for the courtyard walls, giving a warm and natural feel to the overall design.

Design Features

Key design elements enhance the living experience by making spaces more versatile. The double-glazed doors are designed to stack neatly, allowing the interior areas to be opened up for more fluid movement. A living desk that can convert into a larger dining table demonstrates the need for multifunctionality in modern homes. Additionally, a platform lift is incorporated within the shower area, providing easy access to the roof garden and creating a direct connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Architectural Elements

The design includes rotating fins, which not only serve as a functional element but also enrich the aesthetic appeal. On the inside, these fins have a reflective mirror finish, while their outer surfaces are matte black. This contrast helps manage light and privacy for the inhabitants, enhancing the overall comfort of the living spaces. These elements are not just visually intriguing; they also serve practical purposes, showing an understanding of how architecture can respond to both form and function.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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