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Suspended Glass Displays and Natural Stone Accents in a Retail Environment

Author:
Ismael Lamas
Suspended Glass Displays and Natural Stone Accents in a Retail Environment

Project in-detail

Suspended glass displays illuminated by targeted lighting create an immersive retail experience accented by natural stones, inviting customers to engage with jewelry in a gallery-like setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended display cubes create a floating effect that draws attention to the jewelry.
02
Natural stone elements are incorporated into the display design, enhancing the theme of transformation.
03
The lighting strategy includes focused beams that highlight individual pieces, enhancing visibility.
04
An open layout encourages exploration, resembling the flow of a gallery rather than a traditional shop.
05
Materials include a mix of glass and metal, ensuring durability while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

## Project Overview

Located in an urban context, the design of "Stones" redefines the retail experience for jewelry by integrating elements of a gallery or museum exhibit. The intent is to provide a curated environment that invites customers to engage with jewelry pieces in a reflective manner. This conceptual approach highlights the significance of aesthetics and spatial organization while emphasizing the dual role of the space as both a retail outlet and an exhibition area.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features an expansive open area designed to draw attention to suspended display pieces, which are dramatically illuminated to create a focal point. The architectural configuration supports a sense of gravity, with display cubes strategically hung from the ceiling at varying heights—between 4 to 8 feet—enhancing visual interest and facilitating interaction. The arrangement promotes a natural flow throughout the space, allowing visitors to navigate through the exhibit-like environment with ease.

### Material Choices and Lighting Strategy

The selection of materials plays a pivotal role in conveying the project's conceptual narrative. Black metal is employed for the ceiling tubes, providing structural integrity while harmonizing with the overall dark theme. Transparent glass or acrylic surfaces are used for display cubes, illuminating the jewelry from below to mimic natural light and enhance the display of precious items. Beneath these cubes, strategically positioned natural stones offer both aesthetic support and reinforce the project's theme, likening the jewelry to unrefined gems.

Lighting is a critical aspect of the design, characterized by dim ambient illumination that enhances the display's dramatic effect. Focused beams from the ceiling define the jewelry pieces, creating an atmosphere that blends intrigue with sophistication. This carefully considered lighting scheme serves to elevate the visual experience and differentiate the space from traditional retail environments.

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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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