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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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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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