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 Retreat in a Tranquil Lakeside Setting

Author:
Olivier Keseru
Cedar Retreat in a Tranquil Lakeside Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with cedar and incorporating a tea-making workshop, the retreat offers a serene environment by Lake Bezdibene, promoting wellness and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cedar siding blends seamlessly with the forest surroundings.
02
The tea house includes specialized areas for tea preparation and community events.
03
Cabins are strategically positioned to enhance privacy and immersion in nature.
04
A dedicated yoga and meditation room supports wellness initiatives.
05
Natural light in the tea house is maximized through polycarbonate windows.

The Ozolini Retreat is located in an ancient forest near Lake Bezdibene, emphasizing a strong connection to nature. The project focuses on creating a peaceful environment where visitors can relax and engage with their surroundings. It features a well-thought-out design that includes various structures aimed at enhancing the overall experience of being in a natural setting.

Guest House
-
The guest house stands prominently next to Lake Bezdibene. It functions as the main structure of the retreat, featuring two stories and an open living area that offers views of the water and landscape. Within, there are private spaces such as a bedroom and bathroom, promoting both communal living and personal comfort. A dedicated yoga and meditation room highlights the retreat's focus on health and wellness, encouraging visitors to unwind and find inner peace.

Cabins
-
Three cabins are positioned within the forest to provide guests with privacy and a deeper connection to the natural environment. Each cabin is designed for two people and adopts a simple layout that fosters a cozy and intimate atmosphere. This thoughtful placement allows guests to immerse themselves in the peacefulness of the forest, enhancing their overall experience and encouraging a greater appreciation of nature.

Tea House
-
The tea house serves as a workshop area for tea-making and is situated near the old stone barn. This connection to traditional structures adds to the charm of the retreat. The tea house includes spaces for the various stages of tea preparation, such as cutting, drying, and packing. It also hosts communal events, bringing visitors together for shared experiences. The hands-on approach to tea-making further enhances the retreat’s goal of connecting people with nature and its processes.

Materiality
-
Materials used throughout the retreat play a significant role in its design. The guest house and cabins are constructed using local cedar wood, which helps to blend the buildings with the surrounding landscape. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability and regional identity. In addition, polycarbonate sheets are used for windows in the tea house’s drying room, allowing light to filter in while maintaining comfort.

The design of the Ozolini Retreat focuses on creating an engaging and tranquil atmosphere, where every structure serves a specific purpose. Each element is carefully planned to enhance the experience of being in nature, offering a thoughtful approach to relaxation and connection.

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