Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Burned Wood Facade and Local Cork Integration in a Flexible Yoga Space

Author:
Giusy Mazzarella
Burned Wood Facade and Local Cork Integration in a Flexible Yoga Space

Project in-detail

A facade of burned wood and local cork creates a sustainable, flexible space for yoga that enhances interaction with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual block design enhances both utility and flexibility for diverse functions.
02
Extensive use of burned wood creates a distinct aesthetic and promotes durability.
03
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainability and reduces water consumption.
04
Glazed sliding doors promote seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor areas.
05
Standardized triangular beams facilitate modular construction and future expansion.

The design presents a careful response to the basic need for shelter, harmonizing with the landscape around it. The structure is positioned to enhance the connection between inside and outside. Emphasizing safety, sustainability, and adaptability, the design features a prominent roof that serves as both protection and a defining element, relating directly to its geographical location.

Design Concept

The design process focuses on functionality and logistics. The roof makes use of main and secondary beams arranged in a triangular pattern, which offers both structural strength and modular possibilities. This arrangement simplifies the construction process and allows the space to be adjusted in the future. The design can change with user needs, making it flexible for various purposes.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the building is divided into two distinct areas, each with its own character. One block is located against the hill and houses utilities like the technical room and storage for yoga tools. This area has a dark exterior finished with burned wooden slats, creating a private and reflective space. Wooden seating is arranged along the sides, encouraging users to appreciate the views of the outside.

The other block serves as a yoga area that opens up to the environment. Its extensive glazing brings in light and helps integrate the indoors with the outdoors. Sliding doors allow for easy transitions between spaces. The design eliminates columns along the main facade, which enhances the feeling of openness and maximizes visual access.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability plays a significant role in the overall design. Solar panels and solar heating units are incorporated into the roof, ensuring they are functional while blending into the structure. Additionally, a system for harvesting rainwater has been installed. This setup promotes water conservation, contributing to the building's ecological goals.

The choice of materials supports both the look of the building and its sustainable aims. Burned wooden slats are used for the exterior finishes, while local cork provides insulation. Wood is also utilized for structural elements and interior finishes, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the space.

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