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Reflective Shelter Amidst Alpine Peaks Enhanced by Seasonal Experiences

Authors:
Maxime Gaillard, Bruno Palak
Reflective Shelter Amidst Alpine Peaks Enhanced by Seasonal Experiences

Project in-detail

The reflective seasonal shelter, set against an alpine landscape, utilizes thoughtful design elements to enhance user interaction and experience while providing a functional retreat for winter recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective facade integrates the shelter with its natural surroundings.
02
Hot air balloons enhance the recreational atmosphere in the area.
03
User experience is prioritized through accessible design elements.
04
Seasonal shelter adapts to varying winter recreational needs.
05
Architectural sketches indicate plans for future development in the region.

The setting is a picturesque alpine landscape, marked by a snowy mountain that influences both the aesthetic and functionality of the design. A reflective structure resembling a seasonal shelter is the focal point. Positioned thoughtfully within this environment, it provides a place for visitors while encouraging interaction with the natural surroundings. The design emphasizes user experience, incorporating elements that promote engagement and connection with the landscape.

Design Concept
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The design aims to create a connection between the structure and its surroundings. With a reflective facade, the building minimizes its visual impact on the landscape, allowing it to blend with the mountain scenery. This strategy enhances environmental sensitivity and creates an immersive experience for users, inviting them to appreciate the beauty of the alpine setting.

User Interaction
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Imagery presents a person dressed in winter attire approaching the shelter, illustrating the focus on human-scale design. The layout prioritizes accessibility and usability, making sure that visitors can comfortably engage in winter activities. This design encourages movement and interaction, welcoming occupants to explore the unique features of the alpine environment.

Dynamic Elements
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The presence of hot air balloons in the background adds a lively aspect to the scene, enriching the area’s recreational character. These balloons introduce a sense of playfulness and exploration, fostering a connection with the expansive sky above. Their appearance complements the architecture, creating a visual narrative that is both engaging and uplifting.

Environmental Integration
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Architectural sketches subtly referenced indicate an ongoing investigation of future developments, linking the current design to broader conversations in architecture. The design emphasizes open spaces and clearly defined pathways, promoting an inviting atmosphere for users. These choices reinforce the commitment to integrating human interaction with the natural landscape in a thoughtful manner.

The reflective structure, characterized by its clean lines, contrasts gently with the rugged mountain backdrop. This relationship enhances the overall composition while maintaining a focus on functionality.

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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

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