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Reflective Glass Facade Harmonizing With Staggered Layouts and Natural Timber Elements

Authors:
Torsten Schlauersbach, Yinka Oyesiku, Annie Ming Yee Lo, Jack Sheedy, Megan Alison Bryn Palavics
Reflective Glass Facade Harmonizing With Staggered Layouts and Natural Timber Elements

Project in-detail

A reflective glass facade seamlessly integrates with a staggered, open layout of timber elements, creating a tranquil residential space that fosters a deep connection with the surrounding forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass panels create a dynamic interplay with the forest, enhancing the structure's integration with its surroundings.
02
Staggered floor levels provide varied sightlines, promoting spatial complexity and natural light diffusion.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural elements, enhancing sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer a unique texture while improving fire resistance and durability.
05
The bent A-frame design adds visual interest and maximizes interior volume while maintaining a compact footprint.

### Overview

Located within a forest clearing, The Gate House represents a nuanced approach to architectural design that emphasizes integration with the natural environment. Drawing inspiration from traditional glass houses, the structure seeks to merge contemporary aesthetics with the serene qualities of its surroundings. Its design fosters a sense of transparency and lightness, effectively encouraging a dialogue between the interior spaces and the external landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The floor plan of The Gate House features a multi-level layout characterized by staggered floor configurations and open spaces. This organization facilitates a fluid experience, allowing occupants to engage with various areas of the home while maintaining an ongoing connection to nature. Expansive glazing enhances the interior with natural light, which shifts throughout the day, thus enriching the atmosphere. The building’s approach is carefully considered to lead visitors through the landscape, cumulatively heightening the transition from the natural environment to the architectural space.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Key materials used in the construction of The Gate House include a predominance of glass for the exterior, which not only provides unobstructed views but also reflects the surrounding forest, minimizing visual disruption. Timber elements contribute warmth to the interior, while steel offers the necessary structural support for the expansive glass panels. Concrete is utilized for the foundation and pathways, ensuring durability, while composite materials are likely included to enhance insulation and energy efficiency, underscoring the project’s sustainable ambitions. The reflective glass not only serves aesthetic purposes but also actively engages with the surroundings, allowing the structure to appear as a dynamic participant in its ecosystem.

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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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