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Translucent Glass Structures Harmonizing With Natural Landscapes Using Recycled Materials

Authors:
Filip Zielinski, Benjamin Yong, Shweta Kamble
Translucent Glass Structures Harmonizing With Natural Landscapes Using Recycled Materials

Project in-detail

Utilizing transparent glass and durable, recycled materials, the design seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, providing a sustainable retreat that enhances the connection between occupants and their environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sloping roof design that captures rainwater for irrigation.
02
Incorporates movable guesthouses adaptable to changing site conditions.
03
Features a unique combination of translucent glass walls and thermal mass materials.
04
Constructed with a focus on using recycled and repurposed materials throughout.
05
Engages with local ecosystems through geothermal energy systems for efficiency.

### Overview
The project, located near a picturesque lake and flanked by mountains, is conceived with an emphasis on sustainability and ecological integration. This architectural endeavor seeks to establish a coherent relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings, utilizing the landscape's inherent qualities to enhance its design. The structures are positioned to optimize views and natural light while minimizing disruption to the local ecosystem.

### Guesthouse Design and Material Selection
The guesthouses are characterized by their fluid forms and organic shapes, featuring extensive use of glass to create transparency and openness. The circular layout promotes connectivity among interior spaces and provides expansive views of the night sky and surrounding landscapes. Material choices include:

- **Glass**: Maximizes natural light and fosters visual continuity with the exterior.
- **Wood**: Selected for interior finishes to enhance warmth and comfort.
- **Concrete**: Provides structural stability and insulation, forming the base of the constructions.

Distinctive design features include sloping roofs that capture natural light, along with smart lighting systems that optimize energy use by illuminating interiors only as needed.

### Central Host Complex and Functional Spaces
The centrally located host complex serves as a hub for communal activities and amenities. Its geometric form facilitates interaction while providing panoramic landscape views. Key materials include:

- **Concrete**: Chosen for its thermal mass and durability.
- **Recycled Materials**: Incorporated into various elements to promote sustainability.
- **Metal Roofing**: Enhances insulation and weather resistance.

Functional areas within the complex include a barn, summer terrace, and office spaces designed for both relaxation and social interaction. A defining characteristic is the large openings that create a visual connection between indoor and outdoor environments, reinforcing the project's commitment to integration with nature.

### Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
The design encompasses integrated energy systems aimed at minimizing carbon footprints. Notable features include geothermal systems for climate regulation, rainwater collection systems for irrigation, and photovoltaic panels for solar energy conversion. This approach underscores a commitment to using natural resources wisely and sustainably.

Innovative anchoring systems in the guesthouses allow flexibility in their placement, which enables adaptability to changes in the surrounding ecosystem and minimizes environmental impact during construction.

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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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