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Unidirectional Openings and Norway Spruce Structure for a Serene Retreat

Authors:
Andrea Molinari, Giulia Margotti, Edoardo Balboni
Unidirectional Openings and Norway Spruce Structure for a Serene Retreat

Project in-detail

Defined by its unidirectional openings and a structure crafted from Norway Spruce, the design creates a tranquil retreat that encourages deep engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unidirectional openings frame views of the landscape while maximizing natural light.
02
Constructed primarily with Norway Spruce, reflecting local materiality.
03
A balloon frame structure enhances energy efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
04
The elevated living area provides a unique perspective of the surrounding nature.
05
Minimalist furniture design allows for multifunctional use within meditative spaces.

The Wood Pod presents a unique design that emphasizes a close relationship with the natural environment while responding to the challenges of modern life. Located in a natural setting, the retreat encourages individuals to leave behind the distractions of everyday existence. The concept focuses on creating an environment that invites meditation and reflection through the integration of indoor and outdoor areas.

Material Integration

The design of the Wood Pod incorporates materials that resonate with the local ecosystem. Norway Spruce is a prominent choice, symbolizing respect for native resources and connecting occupants to the site’s natural characteristics. The vertical arrangement of the structure blends into the surroundings, promoting harmony between the building and the landscape.

Sustainable Design Approach

A core aspect of the Wood Pod is its sustainable design, which is demonstrated through the use of a balloon frame structure that supports inclined wood panels. This design promotes energy efficiency and follows environmentally friendly building practices, contributing to a reduced ecological footprint. Photovoltaic panels, covered by an amorphous silicon film, are installed on the inclined walls, showcasing a commitment to utilizing renewable energy.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout within the Wood Pod has been carefully considered to elevate the living area, allowing for broad views and enhancing engagement with the natural surroundings. By placing service areas on a lower floor, the design creates a functional space without sacrificing the visual appeal of the main living areas. Minimalist furniture ensures that essential functions blend well with the meditative environment, promoting simplicity and ease of access.

Natural Immersion

A defining detail of the Wood Pod is its unidirectional openings that frame views of the landscape. These openings allow natural light to fill the interior while creating a connection between the occupants and their surroundings. This feature enriches the living experience and reinforces the goal of fostering a deep relationship with nature, encouraging a focus on the outdoor environment.

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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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