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Spherical Form Crafted With Titanium Zinc and Timber Integration For Sustainable Mountain Living

Authors:
Alessandro Scipolo, Ciro Chiumenti, Elena Aldà, Rachele Cabrini
Spherical Form Crafted With Titanium Zinc and Timber Integration For Sustainable Mountain Living

Project in-detail

Crafted with titanium zinc and modular timber, the design's spherical forms harmonize with the mountainous landscape, offering a communal living space that emphasizes sustainability and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with titanium zinc cladding for enhanced durability against harsh weather.
02
Incorporates modular design elements to allow flexible space configurations.
03
Utilizes a geothermal heating system to reduce energy consumption.
04
Features panoramic windows that enhance natural light and mountain views.
05
Integrates a rainwater collection system for sustainable water management.

### Overview
The "sNEwPals" project is situated in rugged mountainous terrain, characterized by three prominent peaks: Pema Peak (5,310 m), Phuma Peak (5,110 m), and Paldor Peak (5,928 m). The design concept draws from ecological, functional, and aesthetic considerations, creating a refuge that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. The architecture incorporates spherical volumes inspired by snowball formations, emphasizing continuity and the dynamic nature of the landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout is organized into two distinct floors to balance communal and private functions. The first floor accommodates shared spaces, including communal kitchens and living areas designed for interaction, enhanced by large windows that offer panoramic views of the mountains. The second floor is dedicated to private quarters, featuring en-suite bedrooms and recreational areas, ensuring user privacy while fostering a sense of community. This flexibility allows the space to be adapted for various uses, accommodating up to 20 guests and 4 staff members.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability. Wood and titanium zinc are pivotal; wood is utilized in internal structures for its lightweight and renewable qualities, while titanium zinc serves as the exterior cladding, providing long-lasting resistance to environmental conditions. Internal finishes include double particleboard for thermal and acoustic insulation and resin wood fiber board for wall panels.

Sustainable technologies are integral to the design, incorporating photovoltaic panels for energy production and water recycling systems to utilize snowmelt and rainwater. Circular openings in the structure enhance natural light and air circulation, contributing to energy efficiency. The design’s absence of corners mitigates structural stress and enhances spatial flow, facilitating both adaptability and ease of maintenance.

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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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