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Reflective Threads and Opaque Polycarbonate Create Engaging Community Spaces in Sustainable Timber Construction

Authors:
Park Woosung, Noh Yuseok, Ham Hansol, Bang Hyehyun
Reflective Threads and Opaque Polycarbonate Create Engaging Community Spaces in Sustainable Timber Construction

Project in-detail

Incorporating reflective threads and translucent polycarbonate, this architectural endeavour creates interactive communal spaces designed to enhance user engagement and connection within a sustainably constructed environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective threads serve as both spatial dividers and interactive elements, enhancing user engagement.
02
Opaque polycarbonate panels allow for natural light infiltration while maintaining privacy.
03
The design integrates community spaces to prioritize social interaction among users.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and a warm aesthetic.
05
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance and a unique textural quality.

### Project Overview

Reachable Fantasy is an architectural project located in a region known for the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. The design intent emphasizes accessibility and engagement for diverse user groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with visual impairments. The project aims to create a space where users can interact with the essence of the aurora, translating this natural phenomenon into a tangible architectural experience.

### Spatial Dynamics

The organization of space is characterized by flexible zones that facilitate various activities. Event Spaces are designed for dynamic use, allowing boundaries to dissolve between areas, promoting social interaction and imaginative activities, such as reading. Community Zones feature shared amenities like saunas and dining areas, fostering collaboration among users and minimizing private room usage to enhance group dynamics. Guest accommodations vary in size, including individual rooms and larger spaces for families, accommodating the diverse needs of visitors.

### Material Selection

Material choices are integral to realizing the project’s conceptual vision. Opaque polycarbonate sheets provide a sense of transparency while maintaining privacy and comfort, allowing natural light to interact with interior spaces and enhance the experience of the aurora. The structural frame utilizes Oregon pine, known for its aesthetic appeal and durability. Reflective threads serve both as a design feature and an interactive element, capturing the transient quality of the aurora while encouraging physical engagement from users. Additionally, specialized insulation materials ensure energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable design principles, while finishing materials contribute to a harmonious internal environment.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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