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Reflective Glass and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Immersive Ecological Haven

Authors:
Julie Wu, Guillermo Salazar
Reflective Glass and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Immersive Ecological Haven

Project in-detail

Utilizing reflective glass and cross-laminated timber, the design offers a sustainable framework that invites visitors to engage with the surrounding environment while providing essential accommodations for exploration and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass façades enhance natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber construction provides superior sustainability and structural integrity.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
04
Uniquely designed loft spaces facilitate optimal sky observation for guests.
05
Mobile units allow flexible exploration of the wilderness while ensuring comfort.

# Analytical Report on the Kaleidoscope Architectural Design Project

## Overview

Located in a region that showcases natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights, the Kaleidoscope project integrates innovative architectural design with sustainable practices. The development features a visitor center, guest room clusters, and mobile units, all intended to promote interaction with the surrounding landscape while offering immersive experiences that resonate with the unique environment.

## Spatial Dynamics and Community Engagement

The design emphasizes connectivity and interaction through a network of carefully crafted spaces. The visitor center serves as the focal point for orientation and engagement, incorporating interactive installations that foster awareness of the local natural phenomena. Guest room clusters are configured to balance communal and private experiences, maximizing natural light while addressing the need for personal reflection and solitude. Notable design features, such as lofts for sky gazing, enhance the experience of the night sky and auroras from within individual accommodations.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material selections throughout the project prioritize sustainability and environmental harmony. Insulated and reflective glass maximizes natural light while contributing to thermal efficiency. Sustainable wood, drawn from local sources, aligns with traditional building practices and ensures longevity. Metal elements provide structural integrity in response to local climate conditions, while solar photovoltaic panels offer a renewable energy source, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the development. This careful choice of materials not only supports the architectural intent but also creates a dialogue between built structures and the natural environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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