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Reflective Micro Home with Photovoltaic Features by the Lake

Author:
Xiyu Chen
Reflective Micro Home with Photovoltaic Features by the Lake
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Clad in reflective glass, the micro home harnesses solar energy while seamlessly integrating into the landscape, providing a versatile living space designed for adaptability near Lake Braies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Clad entirely in mirrors, the micro home reflects its natural surroundings, enhancing the landscape experience.
02
The roof integrates photovoltaic glass, optimizing energy production while allowing light to enter.
03
Furniture designed for flexibility can retract into walls, maximizing usable living space.
04
A retractable balcony extends toward the lake, creating a usable outdoor area during favorable weather.
05
The structure employs a Spider Glass anchoring system, allowing for wider glass surfaces and improved durability.

"Mirror The World" is located at Lake Braies in South Tyrol, Italy. The design features a micro house fully covered in mirrors, allowing it to blend with its surroundings. The concept prioritizes ecological sustainability and adaptability, enabling the structure to change with the seasons and engage actively with the landscape.

Architectural Concept

The focus of the design is on adaptability within a limited space. The micro house includes various spaces that can serve different functions, making it easy for users to adjust the interior according to their needs. This creates a multifunctional living area that remains well-organized while maximizing usefulness.

Materiality and Sustainability

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design. The interior layout uses natural and recycled materials for a balance of comfort and modern appearance. The roof has mirror glass slabs that contain photovoltaic cells. These cells not only allow natural light into the home but also promote energy efficiency. The panels are treated with amorphous silicon gel, which helps turn them into semiconductors, optimizing energy production without losing brightness inside.

Structural Innovations

Spy Mirror Glass forms the shell of the MicroHome. This tempered material offers a combination of transparency and reflective qualities. It allows people to see outside while providing a mirrored effect from the other side, depending on the light. This feature ensures a sense of privacy while maintaining openness in the living space.

Interior Functionality

The design makes use of retractable furniture to improve space efficiency. Desks for work are cleverly hidden under the living room counters and can be pulled out when needed. Additionally, a retractable balcony extends out toward the lake on sunny days, providing an inviting spot for relaxation or work. The use of a Spider Glass anchoring system enhances stability by allowing for wider glass surfaces, ensuring durability against the elements.

The careful attention to detail in the design, from the adjustable furniture to the reflective outer layer, fosters a relationship between the building and its natural surroundings, showcasing the beauty of the landscape while offering a flexible living experience.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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