Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cave-Inspired Retreat with Reclaimed Wood and Glass Features

Author:
Dimitrije Todorovic
Cave-Inspired Retreat with Reclaimed Wood and Glass Features
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with reclaimed wood and designed to resemble a cave, this retreat harmonizes with the natural landscape while providing a tranquil space for families and pets.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cave-inspired structure enhances natural acoustics and ambiance.
02
Elevated design offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
03
Integrated glass floor provides visibility to flowing water below.
04
Flexible room layouts accommodate varying family needs.
05
Sustainable rainwater collection supports irrigation for the landscape.

Oasis of Peace is located in the peaceful forests of Oleiros, Portugal. The design serves as a retreat, encouraging a strong connection with nature. The structure takes inspiration from cave forms, fitting into the hillside and offering expansive views. Its design concept emphasizes sustainability and provides an environment for relaxation and reflection.

Design Concept
The overall concept of Oasis of Peace focuses on creating a living space that enhances its natural surroundings. By being elevated, the structure allows for stunning vistas of the valley and maximizes daylight within the interiors. This thoughtful positioning enhances the natural play of light throughout the day, leading to a calm and inviting atmosphere.

Spatial Organization
The layout is flexible, featuring movable partitions that enable adjustments to room sizes. This design choice promotes efficient use of space while catering to the needs of families, including those with pets. The interior is designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging interaction among residents and their environment.

Sustainable Practices
Oasis of Peace employs several sustainable strategies to reduce its ecological footprint. A system for collecting rainwater is built into the design to reuse water for irrigation. This feature not only supports the growth of the surrounding landscape but also illustrates the commitment to environmental stewardship.

Material Selection
The choice of materials in Oasis of Peace reflects a focus on sustainability and durability. Reclaimed wood is the primary material used, which helps to minimize waste. Additionally, cellulose wadding from recycled paper is incorporated for insulation, making the building more energy-efficient. Polished hardwood floors enhance the interior while ensuring easy maintenance, particularly important in a home that accommodates pets.

Walking through Oasis of Peace allows residents to experience the gentle sounds of water flowing under the transparent glass floor. This feature connects them to the natural rhythms of the environment, enhancing their sense of tranquility.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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