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Sundial Gnomon and Colored Glass in a Mountain Community Space

Author:
Bingfeng Song
Sundial Gnomon and Colored Glass in a Mountain Community Space

Project in-detail

The large sundial gnomon and vibrant colored glass windows create a dynamic interaction with natural light in a mountain community space designed for artistic collaboration and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gnomon acts as a functional sundial, marking the passage of time.
02
Colored glass windows adapt the light according to seasonal changes.
03
Curving ceiling design reflects the surrounding mountainous landscape.
04
Leaf-vein beams enhance structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrated rainwater management supports local irrigation needs.

The Gaudi La Coma Hostel is located in a mountainous area, featuring a design that integrates well with its natural environment. The building acts as a community space for artists, facilitating both social interaction and private work. The concept emphasizes the connections between the interior spaces and the changing landscape outside, encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings and the natural flow of time.

Public and Active Zone

The design centers around a large sundial gnomon, which welcomes guests into the public and active area of the hostel. This prominent feature also allows residents to experience the changing light throughout the day. The layout supports individual choice in workspace, providing options for private or collaborative activities, making it adaptable to various artistic practices.

Material Engagement

Colored glass windows inspired by the local terrain create a visual dialogue with the landscape. They allow natural light to fill the interiors, enhancing the atmosphere and providing a dynamic experience. The use of leaf-vein-like beams supports the curving ceiling while reflecting the natural shapes of the site, adding depth and character to the building.

Sustainable Practices

The design incorporates features that address sustainability, dividing spaces into public and private zones. Systems for collecting rainwater and managing greywater contribute to efficient resource use. Areas designated for compost and kitchen waste further highlight an environmentally aware approach, aiming to reduce the building's ecological footprint.

Dynamic Light and Time

The rose-window-like colored glass ceiling stands out as a functional and aesthetic component of the design. Serving as a sundial plate, it interacts with the gnomon and showcases the passage of time. The interplay of light within the hostel enriches the experience for residents, merging indoor and outdoor elements and reinforcing the bond between architecture and nature.

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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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