Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Shingles and Zinc Cladding Enhance a Sustainable Rest Stop for Cyclists

Author:
Ciaran O'callaghan
Charred Shingles and Zinc Cladding Enhance a Sustainable Rest Stop for Cyclists

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and zinc cladding, the rest stop is designed to provide essential amenities for cyclists while promoting sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates a greywater recycling system for sustainable water management.
03
Features a communal cooking area designed to encourage interaction among travelers and locals.
04
Utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact and support regional economies.
05
Elevated structure design reduces ground disturbance and promotes environmental sensitivity.

### Project Overview
The Euro Velo 6 Bicycle Rest Stop is strategically positioned along the Euro Velo 6 cycling route, which spans multiple European countries, including France, Germany, and Romania. This facility provides essential amenities for cyclists, enhancing their travel experience while integrating with the local natural and cultural landscapes. The design aims to serve as a multifunctional hub that promotes both rest and cultural engagement among diverse users.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of the rest stop is designed for practicality and ease of use, featuring a cooking area, sleeping quarters, bicycle maintenance and storage space, and restrooms. Each function is thoughtfully organized to limit unnecessary movement within the facility. The cooking area promotes social interaction, allowing travelers to prepare meals together and foster a communal atmosphere. Private sleeping quarters are designed to provide restful environments for cyclists, while the bicycle maintenance section offers necessary tools and secure storage options. The strategically located restrooms ensure accessibility from all areas of the facility.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The architectural integrity of the project is enhanced by carefully selected materials that reflect both contemporary and traditional techniques. The zinc cladding on the roof efficiently channels rainwater and is part of a greywater recycling system, reinforcing sustainability goals. Stone facades echo the local vernacular architecture, providing durability and a contextually appropriate aesthetic. Extensive use of wood throughout the interior enhances warmth and comfort, especially in the sleeping quarters, while concrete foundations ensure structural stability. Sustainable design principles are prioritized with locally sourced materials, reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional economies, alongside energy-efficient strategies that optimize user comfort.

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