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Wood and Stone Harmony in a Vertical Community Structure

Authors:
Éléonore Vérant, Laia Tarrés
Wood and Stone Harmony in a Vertical Community Structure

Project in-detail

A vertical community structure built from stone and wood creates an inviting ascent through varied spaces, culminating in panoramic views and fostering social interaction among residents and visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
An interior forest of columns creates a unique spatial experience and aesthetic appeal.
02
The structure incorporates both residential and commercial functions within a vertical framework.
03
A bridge connection enhances accessibility and interaction between different areas.
04
The design utilizes local stone and wood, promoting sustainability and regional identity.
05
Panoramic views are achieved through strategic placement of communal spaces at the top levels.

The architectural design, "Vertical Pilgrimage from City to Mountains," is located in Innsbruck, Austria, a region noted for its beautiful alpine landscape. This skyscraper aims to connect urban living with the mountains. It highlights a journey through space, where both residents and visitors can interact with nature and the built environment. Different functions blend in the design, which includes residential units, commercial spaces, and areas for community interaction, all within a vertical framework.

Spatial Organization

The design carefully organizes the space to promote movement and interaction. A south entrance invites people into the building, allowing easy access to hotel facilities, restaurants, student housing, and coliving spaces. This approach encourages a sense of community while providing private living arrangements. The interiors are crafted to create an experience of progression, leading occupants upward through the various levels of the building, culminating in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Experiential Pathways

A central feature is the "interior forest" made of columns that shapes the exhibition space. This design element enhances the visual appeal while offering a way to navigate through the structure. As people move upward, they experience a transition from darker spaces to brighter, more open areas. This flow reflects the experience of climbing a mountain, reinforcing the connection between elevation and visual discovery. The architectural design emphasizes an engaging journey as one ascends.

Material Considerations

Materials are thoughtfully chosen, especially the transition from lower to upper levels. The base is constructed with stone, anchoring the building within the urban environment. In contrast, the upper sections use wood, contributing warmth and a welcoming feel. This change in materials not only serves practical purposes but also enriches the overall experience for occupants. The careful selection of materials complements the natural surroundings and highlights a commitment to sustainability.

Community Integration

The project fosters both private and shared spaces, allowing for social interaction and community involvement. Common areas are distributed throughout the building, creating spaces for collaboration and engagement among users. Additionally, a bridge connects the different buildings, improving accessibility. This connectivity supports a lively atmosphere and encourages a sense of belonging among occupants.

A panoramic viewing platform crowns the structure, providing expansive views of the scenic landscape, inviting individuals to pause and appreciate the beauty of their alpine setting.

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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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