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 Wood Structure Embracing Natural Light for Eco-Friendly Retreat

Author:
Mayumi Iitsuka
Charred Wood Structure Embracing Natural Light for Eco-Friendly Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing Shou Sugi Ban techniques for durability and natural insulation, the guest house seamlessly integrates an undulating interior to foster connectivity with its landscape while prioritizing energy efficiency and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Shou Sugi Ban for improved water resistance and durability.
02
Features an undulating landscape-like interior to enhance spatial flow.
03
Incorporates triple glazing glass to maximize natural light and energy efficiency.
04
Reuses grate boards for ceiling insulation, prioritizing resource efficiency.
05
Integrates plant-based insulation materials within the structure.

The Ozolini Teamakers Guest House is designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while promoting sustainable living practices. Located in an area that emphasizes ecological mindfulness, the guest house provides a tranquil retreat and showcases principles of responsible design. The main idea is to create a connection between indoor spaces and the natural world, offering comfort and consideration for the environment.

Spatial Configuration

The first floor features an open layout with an undulating, landscape-like interior. This design allows for easy movement and interaction between rooms, fostering a sense of calm and accessibility. Effective insulation and a circular floor plan work in tandem to conserve energy, particularly in heating, thereby minimizing the building's environmental impact.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Special attention is given to natural light and ventilation throughout the guest house. By raising the existing roof, the design enhances daylighting, while the use of triple glazing glass improves thermal performance. These features contribute to better air quality and reduce the need for electricity, supporting the project’s aim for sustainability.

Materiality

Material choices play a key role in the design. Grate boards are used on the south and north sides, as well as for flooring. The project incorporates the traditional Japanese method known as "Shou Sugi Ban," which consists of charring wood to increase its durability and resistance to water. This technique provides a maintenance-friendly, aesthetic solution that aligns with the house's sustainable goals.

Design Detailing

Architectural details, such as reusing grate boards for ceiling insulation, illustrate a commitment to resource efficiency. Each aspect of the design is carefully considered to enhance the user experience. The interior spaces are warm and inviting, with visually interesting undulating surfaces that create varied interactions between light and shadow. This thoughtful approach ensures that the guest house is a comfortable space for relaxation and connection with nature.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 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
new
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 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
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

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 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
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 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
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

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