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Wave-Shaped Metal Facade Overlooking Thermal Lakes

Authors:
Anastasiya Prokhorets, Peteris Lauchka-lovchko, Kirill Lauchka-lovchko, Galina Khailova
Wave-Shaped Metal Facade Overlooking Thermal Lakes

Project in-detail

The glossy metal wave-shaped facade reflects the surrounding thermal lakes, creating a unique visual interplay with the landscape, while the building functions as a multi-purpose restaurant with a yoga hall and mini cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facade features adjustable wave-shaped metal panels for enhanced light reflection.
02
The design includes a green roof accessible via a ramp for visitor engagement.
03
Volcanic tuff accents are used on interior columns for local material connection.
04
The structure utilizes geothermal heating for energy efficiency.
05
Large windows frame unobstructed views of the surrounding thermal lakes.

The restaurant is situated in a landscape rich with thermal lakes and mountainous vistas. Its design features two oval shapes that come together, creating a unique architectural form that blends with the surroundings. This layout divides the building into a guest area and a service area, allowing for a clear distinction between dining and operational functions, while providing an enhanced experience for visitors.

Design Composition

The left section of the building serves as the guest area, which includes the dining space on the first floor and a yoga hall and mini cinema on the second level. This multifunctional arrangement supports a diverse range of activities beyond just dining. On the right side, the service area contains essential functions such as the kitchen, offices, storage spaces, and staff facilities. This separation helps streamline operations and improve the overall flow of service.

Structural System

The structural stability of the building relies on reinforced concrete columns and walls, along with concrete flooring. The exterior is finished with smooth plaster, which contributes to the building’s clean and cohesive appearance. This strong framework is designed to withstand various environmental factors, providing durability for the future.

Facade and Exterior Design

An important aspect of the exterior is the use of glossy metal wave-shaped panels. These panels are arranged in varying heights and angles, creating an effect that evokes natural phenomena, particularly the northern lights. When illuminated at night, the panels become a captivating feature of the building. They are attached with metal brackets, allowing for slight adjustments that enhance their ability to reflect light. The design focuses on connecting guests to their environment, with large windows that frame views of the thermal lakes and mountains.

Interior Aesthetic

Inside, the restaurant embraces a warm atmosphere through the use of natural materials such as stone and wood. The addition of decorative elements like dry plants adds depth and warmth to the interior spaces. Volcanic tuff is used on the columns, providing a tactile quality that links the building to its geographical context.

Large windows throughout the restaurant not only illuminate the space but also draw attention to the panoramic views outside, allowing guests to feel connected to the stunning landscape as they dine.

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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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