Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Sustainable Natural Insulation and Expansive Glass Elements

Authors:
Roozbeh Khodadadi, Mohammad Akbari, Amin Baraz
Cedar-Clad Retreat Featuring Sustainable Natural Insulation and Expansive Glass Elements

Project in-detail

Crafted from cedar and highlighted by expansive glass elements, this compact residence embodies a deep connection to nature, providing a serene and sustainable living experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a rainwater harvesting system to enhance sustainability and reduce water usage.
02
Features large skylights that enhance natural light and provide views of the sky, connecting occupants to nature.
03
Constructed with cedar wood for its natural insulation properties and aesthetic warmth.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that not only optimizes structural integrity but also creates a unique interior space.
05
Employs recycled materials throughout the design to minimize environmental impact and support eco-friendly practices.
The Tiny House project represents a thoughtful exploration of modern living within a compact footprint, emphasizing sustainability and functionality through its architectural design. Situated in a serene environment, the project highlights a commitment to ecological mindfulness while providing a comfortable dwelling for its inhabitants. This architectural endeavor focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature, encouraging a lifestyle that values simplicity without compromising on the quality of living.

Functionally, the Tiny House serves as a versatile living space that accommodates the essential needs of its occupants. The design effectively maximizes every square meter while allowing for a fluid transition between public and private areas. The reception room acts as a central hub for social interaction, seamlessly connecting the kitchen and dining spaces. This layout promotes community living, encouraging occupants to engage with one another while allowing for an intimate atmosphere that small spaces can foster. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces reflects a keen understanding of modern lifestyle needs, where flexibility and multi-functionality become central themes.

One of the standout features of the Tiny House is its unique geometric form, which draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape, notably the shapes found in tree canopies. This design choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the house but also helps it integrate more subtly into its environment. The angular planes of the structure provide dynamic visual interest while optimizing the interior's exposure to natural light. The choice of large windows and strategically placed skylights reinforces this idea, allowing expansive views of the outdoor landscape and promoting a strong connection to nature. Such elements encourage occupants to experience the beauty of their surroundings, fostering a sense of tranquility in everyday life.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the Tiny House project, where the choice of materials reflects both an aesthetic sensibility and a commitment to sustainability. Cedar wood is prominently featured throughout the design, noted for its natural insulating properties and pleasing appearance. This renewable resource creates a warm and inviting atmosphere inside the house, blending seamlessly with the external environment. The use of metal cladding not only reinforces the modern aesthetic but also ensures durability and weather resistance, making it suitable for various climatic conditions. Glass panels, employed generously throughout the design, invite ample daylight into the interior spaces, enhancing the atmosphere while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting.

In terms of sustainability, the Tiny House demonstrates a proactive approach through its water and energy solutions. A rainwater collection system underscores the project's eco-friendly ethos, alongside solar panels that allow for energy independence. The incorporation of recycled materials throughout the construction process reflects a broader commitment to minimizing environmental impact, ensuring that the Tiny House serves as a model for responsible living. This architectural project embraces the essence of minimalism by carefully considering resource consumption, thereby contributing positively to the surrounding ecology.

The Tiny House design embodies unique approaches that distinguish it within the realm of contemporary architecture. Its compact dimensions challenge traditional notions of home, proving that functionality can coexist with aesthetic appeal. The innovative use of space, the integration of sustainable practices, and the commitment to creating a deep connection between the indoor and outdoor environments collectively enhance the overall living experience for its occupants.

This project makes a significant statement in the architectural landscape, showcasing that a home does not need to be expansive to be impactful. It reframes the narrative around what constitutes a modern living space, focusing on quality over quantity and promoting a lifestyle that resonates with today's ecological consciousness.

For those interested in understanding the various layers of this architectural endeavor, exploring the project presentation will provide deeper insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that bring the Tiny House to life. Engaging with these elements allows for a richer appreciation of the thoughtful choices made throughout the design process, illustrating how architecture can function elegantly within its context.
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