HLP Architects concept for the 3^rd International Architecture Competition for extreme housing in Cherepovets was to find the simplest possible solution for a house that has a unique appearance and answers both the challenges of the cold and the economy. The Finnish firm, represented by Pekka Pakkanen and Risto Huttunen desired to take best advantage of steel's capability to store heat and eliminate heat loss through a unique design.

"As Finns we know that corners leak; and they are the weak link. The corners are the points where all the mistakes are the easiest to make," said Pakkanen. So not surprisingly, they designed a tablet-shaped home that provides maximum shelter from the cold and the flexibility to position the home on the site.

The outmost perimeter of the house is made of a semi-transparent layer of steel. This curtain wall shelters the house from cold winds, rain, snow and exposure to solar heat. The layer consists of steel treated as a mesh or perforated panels. The street end of this wall is articulated with patterns of colour and/or various ways of perforation, providing a kind of canvas upon which the owner can express their individual taste and personality.

The largest opening, the main entryway, is facing south to take best advantage of winter light. Small windows can be added to the east and west faces. In all, the concept presents a oval shape with minimal surface area, as few corners as possible and the elimination of cold bridges for an airtight envelope.

An additional shield against the elements is proposed in a snow fence that surrounds the house. In the summer cooling winds are allowed to flow through the fences. In winter, snow fills the holes, and the fences create closed spaces for further insulation.

Using steel as the bearing structure of the housing system allows minimal use of material, and prefabricated construction units ensure accurate joints, air tightness and fast construction. The units are lightweight and, and therefore transportation cost and energy is minimised. When the construction time period on site is minimized, the weather conditions will not harm the building. The transportation of light prefabricated units is energy efficient.

"Sustainable architecture is made of materials that create no carbon dioxide emissions. Houses should be made in such a way that they can survive on their own," said Huttunen.

"The materials and techniques should not be the very latest high tech because those are the things that break down first," noted Pakkanen. "These kinds of issues were on our agenda as we designed our concept."

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