Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Butterfly Roof and Eco-Friendly Water Management

Author:
Ylva Fagraeus Lundström
Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Butterfly Roof and Eco-Friendly Water Management
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The butterfly roof captures rainwater and solar energy, while the cedar-clad structure enhances its natural environment, creating a sustainable retreat designed for yoga and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The butterfly roof design optimizes solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting.
02
The structure incorporates a combination of cedar cladding that ages to a silver-grey patina.
03
Elevated on plinths, the building minimizes environmental impact while enhancing lightness.
04
Greywater systems recycle used water for irrigation in the surrounding garden.
05
The large south-west facing glazed wall creates an uninterrupted view of the landscape.

Butterfly House is a notable example of sustainable design set within a calming retreat environment focused on yoga and wellness. Located amid natural surroundings, the building aims to foster connections with nature for its users. The design revolves around an innovative butterfly roof that efficiently integrates solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting, all while respecting the site's unique topography.

Concept and Functionality

At the heart of Butterfly House is the butterfly roof, which not only serves a visual purpose but also supports energy efficiency. This roof is shaped to optimize exposure to sunlight while capturing rainwater for practical uses. The architectural form works well within the landscape, enhancing the experience for those seeking tranquility and connection with their surroundings.



Spatial Organization

The studio is positioned toward the northern part of the site to maximize sun access while allowing space for a peaceful garden. It is elevated on plinths that adapt to the slope of the land, helping to minimize the building's impact on the environment and creating a sense of lightness. The internal layout is simple, with a rectangular shape defined by wooden beams and pillars, which creates an open and functional space for activities.



Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is deeply integrated into the design and operation of Butterfly House. The butterfly roof collects rainwater through downpipes that lead to storage barrels. This water feeds into the building’s systems, supplying toilets and irrigation for the garden. Greywater from showers and kitchens is recycled for plant use, while an Eco-box is designed for effective blackwater treatment, illustrating a thorough approach to resource management.



Material Aesthetics

The exterior of Butterfly House features natural cedar wood cladding, connecting the structure to its environment. As the wood ages, it takes on a silver-grey hue that gradually blends in with the surroundings. This choice reinforces the building's commitment to sustainability and aligns with its focus on harmony with nature.



The large windows on the south-west façade provide expansive views of the landscape, allowing ample natural light into the space. This connection to the outdoors enhances the setting, making it a fitting environment for relaxation and reflection.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Celebrating Visionary Design: The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026 celebrates visionary unbuilt architectural projects that explore creativity and innovation. Open to architects, designers, and students worldwide, the competition welcomes submissions in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²).

With a total prize fund of €100,000, each category winner receives €20,000, alongside student prizes of €5,000 and a €10,000 Best Presentation Award. Winners will also be featured internationally and presented with the Continuum Trophy designed by Germans Ermičs.

Registration runs from 31 October 2025 to 23 September 2026, with submissions due by 20 October 2026 and results announced on 1 December 2026. More information is available at architecturecompetitions.com 

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
Final registration deadline 23 September 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 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