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Retractable Glass Panels And Precast Concrete Shape A Versatile Alpine Shelter

Author:
Mara Mantoiu
Retractable Glass Panels And Precast Concrete Shape A Versatile Alpine Shelter

Project in-detail

With retractable glass panels and a robust precast concrete structure, the design provides a sustainable retreat that enhances the alpine experience for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable glass panels enhance natural light and accessibility, improving user comfort.
02
Precast concrete construction provides durability against harsh alpine weather conditions.
03
Panoramic views are integrated into communal seating areas for optimal user experience.
04
Energy-efficient systems are implemented for sustainable heating and cooling.
05
The structure’s design echoes local topography, fostering harmony with the landscape.

## Architectural Analysis Report: The Ski Hut Project

### Overview
Situated in a mountainous region renowned for winter sports, the Ski Hut serves as a shelter and visitor center for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to enhance the engagement with the surrounding alpine landscape, the project integrates functionality with an awareness of environmental context. The architectural form features a distinctive roofline that mirrors the nearby hills, establishing a visual connection with the terrain and serving as a cultural landmark within the area.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The interior layout emphasizes user functionality and experience, facilitating smooth transitions among various zones. The primary visitor entrance and lobby serve as welcoming access points, leading to a centrally located refreshment station that fosters social interaction. Additional areas include changing facilities and washrooms for user convenience, alongside a dedicated equipment tuning station tailored for skiers. Communal resting areas are oriented toward scenic views, enhancing opportunities for reflection and socialization amidst the natural surroundings. External features, such as a viewing deck and direct access to ski lifts, further encourage interaction with the landscape while supporting outdoor activities.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette of the Ski Hut reflects durability and aesthetic coherence with the rugged environment. Precast concrete provides structural stability and thermal mass, while dark metal siding enhances weather resistance and durability. Acetylated wood siding introduces warmth and texture, contrasting with the metal façade to create an inviting exterior. Prefabricated metal trusses support the unique roof structure, enabling efficient construction without compromising strength. Sustainable practices are evident in the design's integration of passive heating and cooling systems, retractable glass panels for solar gain, and rainwater harvesting, establishing a commitment to ecological responsibility while ensuring energy efficiency.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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