Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Adaptive Cabins Featuring Floor-to-Ceiling Glass and Mobile Storage Systems Within a Serene Woodland Retreat

Authors:
Vania Serrafine, Muhammad Yusuf, Eubisius Vercelli
Adaptive Cabins Featuring Floor-to-Ceiling Glass and Mobile Storage Systems Within a Serene Woodland Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing moving storage compartments and expansive glass panels, the design offers a series of compact cabins that seamlessly blend privacy and communal spaces within a tranquil forest setting for meditation and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes moving storage compartments to adapt the internal layout based on user needs.
02
Incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass for enhanced natural light and forest views.
03
Constructed with environmentally responsible cross-laminated timber panels.
04
Features a communal fireplace to promote social interaction among guests.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
The project "Interconnected Solitude" is an architectural design that emphasizes the duality of privacy and community in a modern retreat setting. This development consists of a series of compact cabins nestled within a naturally wooded environment, strategically designed to foster individual contemplation while maintaining a connection to nearby occupants. The architecture effectively blends functionality with an immersive aesthetic experience, encouraging users to engage with nature and with one another.

The primary function of each cabin is to cater to the needs of its inhabitants for relaxation and reflection. Each structure measures approximately 8 m² and is designed with a multifunctional layout, allowing for activities such as sleeping, meditating, and cooking. The cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass panels, promoting natural light and views of the surrounding landscape while facilitating seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Unique Design Approaches and Materiality

A distinctive aspect of the "Interconnected Solitude" project is the incorporation of moving storage compartments, which allow for flexible spatial configurations based on user needs. This dynamic element promotes a personalized living experience, letting occupants modify their surroundings to accommodate various activities. Additionally, collapsible glass doors provide an adaptable access point, enabling guests to enjoy fresh air and the natural environment at their discretion.

The material choices in this project provide both structural support and aesthetic harmony. The predominant use of wood in construction adds warmth and integrates the cabins with the forest backdrop. Concrete is utilized for structural foundations, ensuring stability and resilience. Glass elevates the design by fostering transparency and visibility, allowing occupants to maintain a connection with nature while being sheltered within their private spaces. Furthermore, the inclusion of an indoor fireplace serves as both a functional and communal gathering point during cooler periods, reinforcing the balance between solitude and community.

Architectural Cohesion and Spatial Organization

The architectural design emphasizes a coherent spatial organization. Each cabin is uniquely partitioned, featuring designated areas tailored to specific activities. The layout promotes fluid movement between the zones, echoing the project's theme of interconnectedness. The careful arrangement of cabins within the landscape not only reinforces individual privacy through strategic spacing but also invites an informal social interaction among guests.

"Interconnected Solitude" represents an architecture that is both purposeful and inviting, providing an effective solution for those seeking both solitude and social presence. By fostering an environment that caters to emotional and physical needs, this project stands apart as an exemplary model within the realm of contemporary retreat design.

To gain further insights into this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs that illustrate the thoughtful balance of private and communal spaces. These elements provide a deeper understanding of the innovative ideas that define "Interconnected Solitude."
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy