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Spiral Staircase and Natural Light Enhance Visitor Experience in a Laminated Wood Hub

Author:
Kohki Hiranuma
Spiral Staircase and Natural Light Enhance Visitor Experience in a Laminated Wood Hub

Project in-detail

A spiraling staircase crafted from laminated wood invites visitors to engage with natural light and landscaped surroundings, creating an informative hub tailored for travelers along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral staircase integrates seamlessly with natural light for enhanced visitor interaction.
02
Laminated wood structure emphasizes sustainability while offering aesthetic warmth.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a unique textural quality.
04
Landscaped surroundings create a tranquil entrance, connecting visitors to nature.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate diverse events and community engagements.

### Trans-Siberian Tourist Information Center

Situated adjacent to the historical Trans-Siberian Railway Station, the Tourist Information Center is designed to serve as a focal point for travelers. The center aims to enhance the experience of those journeying along the railway by providing a hub for information and cultural exchange. This design incorporates the surrounding landscape and architectural context, resulting in a structure that respects traditional influences while offering a contemporary aesthetic.

#### Spatial Strategy

The design features a circular, organically evolving form that promotes flexibility and fluidity in movement. A smooth circulation path guides visitors toward the center, fostering exploration and interaction. Unique architectural elements, such as upward spiral stairs leading to an observation deck, provide opportunities for panoramic views of the surroundings. The interior space has been thoughtfully arranged to accommodate a variety of functions, with modular furniture allowing for adaptable configurations to meet the diverse needs of visitors.

#### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and functionality. Laminated wood serves as the primary structural element, enhancing the warmth of the interior. Large expanses of super clear glass promote transparency and blend the building with its environment, while a steel framework provides necessary support. Trowel-finished lime concrete flooring offers durability and ease of maintenance, complemented by the use of plywood in various internal contexts. The landscaping surrounding the center is designed to enhance interaction with nature, underscoring the project's emphasis on ecological awareness.

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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

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