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Transparency and Privacy in a Glass-Encased Residence With Natural Wood Elements

Author:
Gabbie Delange
Transparency and Privacy in a Glass-Encased Residence With Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Large glass elements create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing both transparency and privacy in a residence designed to connect with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large glass walls provide unobstructed views while enhancing natural light throughout the interior.
02
Hexagonal floor plan shapes facilitate efficient space usage and flow.
03
A circular path integrated into the site design encourages exploration of the surrounding landscape.
04
Strategic window placements frame specific scenic vistas, reinforcing the connection to nature.
05
Natural wood elements contribute to a warm, inviting atmosphere while promoting sustainability.

The design integrates with its natural surroundings, positioned in an area with rugged terrain, rock formations, and valleys. The purpose is to create an inviting and functional space that respects and reflects its environment. The overall design combines modern looks with consideration for privacy and connection to nature.

Site Analysis

The layout of the site is fundamental to the architecture. A circular path leads visitors through the landscape, encouraging exploration without disturbing the natural features. This design choice emphasizes the relationship between the structure and its setting, allowing visitors to engage with the environment in a meaningful way.

Spatial Organization

The floor plans exhibit adaptability, accommodating different uses and facilitating movement throughout the space. Hexagonal shapes in the layouts contribute to efficient design, balancing areas meant for community interaction with spaces that allow for solitude. Open areas create connections among occupants while still providing private retreats.

Light and Material Use

Large glass elements play a key role, permitting natural light to fill the interiors. The placement of windows is intentional, framing views of the landscape and enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The materials used—glass and wood—contribute to a contemporary look while supporting sustainability goals and ensuring durability.

A notable detail in the design is how light interacts with the spaces. As the sun moves, light creates changing shadows that enliven the atmosphere, making each moment within the spaces feel unique and dynamic. This thoughtful interplay reinforces the experience of being in tune with the surrounding 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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