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Spiral Shelters with Open Patios and Community Fire Pits

Authors:
Diana Martin-ioja, Ioana Suceava
Spiral Shelters with Open Patios and Community Fire Pits
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With a series of spiral shelters that include open patios and communal fire pits, the design addresses the needs of long-distance cyclists, providing functional spaces for rest and social interaction in natural settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral design enhances connectivity and flow between shelters.
02
Each shelter incorporates a central communal fire pit for social gathering.
03
Open patios allow for outdoor engagement and interaction with the landscape.
04
Zig-zag fencing reflects the nearby natural water features.
05
Structures provide dedicated bike support areas for convenience.

The design project features a series of shelters specifically created for cyclists on long-distance journeys. Located in various landscapes, each shelter serves practical and social uses, allowing cyclists to engage with their surroundings. The design concept revolves around the idea of the spiral, which symbolizes both movement and continuity, integrating the structures into the natural environment.

Water
The Water shelter serves as a basic rest area, intended to connect users with the environment around them. Seating areas provide spaces for relaxation and enjoyment of nature, while vertical supports are available for bicycles. The zig-zag shape of the fencing resembles flowing river waves, enhancing the shelter’s relevance to the surrounding landscape and encouraging interactions within the natural setting.

Hill
The Hill structure offers security and shelter through its higher elevation, mirroring the gentle slopes of the surrounding terrain. It features a roof while remaining open on the sides, allowing fresh air to circulate and offering a sense of openness. This design invites cyclists to pause and engage with nature, creating a welcoming space for rest and conversation among travelers.

Mountain
The Mountain installation includes a central fire pit, acting as a gathering place for users. This feature promotes social interaction and adds a communal aspect to the experience. Access to the roof allows visitors to enjoy views of the landscape, enriching their connection to the environment and making it a memorable place for exploration and shared moments.

Citadel
The Citadel is the most complex structure in the series, designed to provide privacy and comfort for those staying overnight. It combines communal dining and social areas with practical bike maintenance facilities, meeting the varied needs of cyclists. Private sleeping quarters create a quiet retreat after communal activities. An open patio offers space for outdoor engagement, such as admiring the stars, bringing together the experience of the built environment and nature.

The series of shelters is organized to create a flow between different spaces, emphasizing user experiences and the relationship with the landscape. Each installation reflects thoughtful design choices that enhance usability and encourage interaction in a natural setting.

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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.

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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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