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Reflective Glass Facade With Reinforced Concrete Structure in a Climate-Controlled Seed Repository

Authors:
Tyler Harlen, Robinson Yang, Dan Castro
Reflective Glass Facade With Reinforced Concrete Structure in a Climate-Controlled Seed Repository

Project in-detail

A climate-controlled repository with a reflective glass facade and reinforced concrete structure serves as a vital sanctuary for global seed preservation amid the Southern Alps.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass facade designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
02
Reinforced concrete structure provides optimal temperature stability for seed preservation.
03
Integrated laboratory spaces support ongoing biodiversity research within the facility.
04
Bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Environmentally monitored storage conditions ensure preservation of genetic materials.

## Overview

Located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, near Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Aoraki Archive is a dedicated repository for the preservation of global biodiversity, housing seeds and data. The design addresses the ongoing challenges posed by climate change by creating a resilient structure that merges ecological considerations with advanced technological solutions and cultural significance.

## Spatial Strategy and Functional Design

The Aoraki Archive's design emphasizes a dual-purpose function: serving as both a secure storage facility and a symbol of ecological preservation. The building features distinct spatial zones, including advanced storage environments for seeds and data, which utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal preservation conditions. A public viewing platform integrates visitor engagement, allowing individuals to connect with the surrounding landscape and understand the mission of biodiversity preservation.

### Materials and Environmental Integration

Materials chosen for the Aoraki Archive prioritize sustainability, durability, and functionality. The structure employs reinforced concrete for stability, glass façade panels for transparency, and weather-resistant metal cladding. Advanced insulation materials maintain the necessary conditions for seed preservation, while sustainable composite materials are used throughout the interior. The overall design reflects careful consideration of the natural environment, ensuring harmony with the mountainous context while minimizing the carbon footprint. This integration underscores the building's role as a proactive participant in ecological stewardship.

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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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