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Reflective Panel and Lowered Floor Enhance Connection to Nature

Authors:
Emese Lakatos, Emese Juhász
Reflective Panel and Lowered Floor Enhance Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

A lowered circular floor enhances the sense of arrival in a cabin characterized by a reflective panel that maximizes natural light, creating a versatile space for community engagement, meditation, and creativity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lowered circular floor enhances arrival experience.
02
Reflective panel redirects sunlight throughout the cabin.
03
North orientation maximizes natural light exposure.
04
Locally sourced materials promote environmental sustainability.
05
Timber beams provide structural integrity and warmth.

The Light Shelter is designed as a multifunctional space that encourages community interaction, personal reflection, and creative work. Located in a peaceful environment, it aims to foster a strong connection between people and nature. The design takes inspiration from the philosophical views of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, focusing on the importance of integrating the building with its surroundings.

Orientation and Layout

The cabin is carefully oriented to face north, making the most of natural light during the day. This orientation helps create a bright atmosphere while also being energy efficient. Windows are positioned to allow views of the landscape, promoting a sense of openness and connection to the outside.

Interior Arrangement

Inside, the central room features a lowered circular floor area that emphasizes mindfulness and meditation. This design choice invites users to shift their focus inward as they enter the space. A workstation is located on the northern side of the room, where natural light is reflected, supporting productivity and creativity.

Materiality and Construction

Local materials are prioritized in the design, enhancing sustainability and reducing the environmental impact. Light wood paneling forms the facade, while timber frames and beams provide structural support. These materials contribute to both the visual appeal and durability of the building. The roof is covered with wooden shingles, and the floor combines wood parquet with the unique circular area, reinforcing a consistent design theme.

A reflective panel plays a vital role in the design, capturing sunlight and distributing it throughout the interior. This feature enhances the ambiance and highlights the building's connection to nature, creating a serene environment for all who enter.

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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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