Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Aregola Insulated Retreat Crafted With Lightweight Timber and Solar Integration

Authors:
andrew irizarry, Sebastian Lopez
Aregola Insulated Retreat Crafted With Lightweight Timber and Solar Integration

Project in-detail

Crafted with Aregola insulation and lightweight timber, this modular retreat not only harmonizes with its remote mountain setting but also uses solar energy to provide a sustainable living experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Aregola insulation for superior thermal performance in extreme climates.
02
Features a modular design allowing for efficient assembly and transportation to remote sites.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame structure that enhances spatial dynamics and aesthetics.
04
Integrates solar energy systems for self-sufficient power generation.
05
Constructed with lightweight timber and synthetic materials for ease of handling and sustainability.
The Aurora Cube is an architectural design project that embodies a thoughtful response to the challenges of constructing living spaces in remote and mountainous regions. This project represents a commitment to modular living, sustainability, and a harmonious relationship with the natural landscape. The Aurora Cube serves as a multifunctional dwelling that can adapt to varying environmental conditions while providing a comfortable and modern lifestyle for its inhabitants.

At its core, the Aurora Cube is designed with a clear focus on user adaptability and flexibility. The modular structure allows for easy transportation and assembly in diverse geographical locations, accommodating a range of terrains from rugged hillsides to flat plateaus. This adaptability is paramount for ensuring that the design can meet the needs of its users, providing shelter and comfort regardless of the external conditions.

Important elements of the Aurora Cube include a well-organized interior layout. The common area, designed to foster social interaction, features large windows that invite natural light and create a feeling of openness. This space is complemented by thoughtfully integrated storage solutions that maximize functionality without compromising aesthetics. The sitting area is ergonomically designed, enhancing comfort while maintaining the overall coherence of the living space. Additionally, the sleeping area is crafted to provide privacy, all while ensuring that the flow of the design remains unbroken, with minimalistic furnishings that reflect a modern sensibility.

The project distinguishes itself through its unique design approaches that emphasize sustainability and environmental integration. Materials are carefully selected not only for their durability and functionality but also for their ecological footprint. Lightweight wood, aluminum framing, and innovative insulation materials such as Aregola Tarp contribute to the building’s performance, ensuring that it is both energy-efficient and resistant to the elements. The addition of solar panels marries functionality with sustainability, allowing the building to harness renewable energy and meet its power needs independently.

Aesthetic considerations are woven seamlessly into the design. The synthetic Aspen bark venter enhances the visual appeal of structural columns while providing stability. At night, the integrated solar-powered lights mimic the colors of the northern lights, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere in the surrounding landscape. This attention to detail reveals a deep understanding of how architecture can not only serve functional needs but also elevate the experience of space and environment.

The Aurora Cube encourages a deeper engagement with its surroundings, showcasing an architectural philosophy that prioritizes a sustainable and respectful interaction with nature. The design reflects an understanding that architecture is not merely about shelter but is also about creating an experience that resonates with the environment and the people who inhabit it.

For those interested in exploring the architectural nuances of the Aurora Cube, detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs are available for review. These elements provide further insights into the creative ideas and practical solutions that define this project. Investigating the intricacies of the design offers a valuable opportunity to appreciate how architecture can adapt to meet the needs of modern living while remaining inherently mindful of environmental concerns.
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 16544 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