Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Alder Wood Cabin Emphasizing Community Engagement and Rainwater Harvesting

Authors:
Georgy Lyaleko, Stepan Smirnov, Mariia Malova
Alder Wood Cabin Emphasizing Community Engagement and Rainwater Harvesting

Project in-detail

Utilizing alder wood and rainwater harvesting systems, this modular cabin fosters community interaction while providing a serene space for meditation and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Alder wood is the primary material, chosen for its calming properties.
02
The cabin incorporates rainwater harvesting for sustainable water usage.
03
Modular design allows for easy reconfiguration based on user needs.
04
Eight distinct cabin types are themed after Portuguese symbols.
05
Electromagnetic connections enable simple assembly and disassembly.

The For.me Cabin is a modular space designed for meditation and relaxation. Located within the urban context, it provides a necessary retreat for residents looking to unwind and connect with nature. The cabin emphasizes simplicity in its design while encouraging interactions among users. This thoughtful approach fosters a sense of community alongside individual moments of peace.

Architecture Concept

The design revolves around a basic cube shape, which creates an adaptable environment for various activities like meditation, yoga, and massage. This geometric form promotes easy interaction, making the space intuitive for users. The layout resembles a construction set, allowing for modifications based on individual needs. This adaptability is a key feature, supporting a personalized experience in a communal setting.

Materiality

Material selection is important for establishing the cabin's atmosphere and function. Alder wood is used prominently, chosen for its calming effects that contribute to a peaceful interior. The design also includes wooden blinds, fabric, solid wood, and glass plates, blending these materials to create a warm and inviting space. This mix of textures enhances the overall sensory experience for those using the cabin.

Sustainability and Technology Integration

Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, with systems for solar energy and rainwater collection. Solar radiation and rainfall data are analyzed to optimize energy usage and resource management. This allows the cabin to operate independently in various locations. The integration of technology, such as electromagnets for segment connections and wheels for movement, further enhances user flexibility and encourages the reconfiguration of the space to suit different activities.

Design Features and Community Engagement

The For.me Cabin is designed to adapt to uneven ground, with extendable legs ensuring stability in different environments. This feature makes the cabin accessible for various geographical settings. Additionally, there are eight types of cabins named after Portuguese symbols, connecting cultural significance to practical design. These cabins promote social interaction, creating shared spaces that enhance communal well-being and support various wellness activities.

Incorporating rainwater systems not only provides practical benefits but also reflects a commitment to ecological practices. Every element in the design harmonizes with the surrounding environment, offering a space that encourages mindfulness and personal reflection.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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