Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Glass Panels Define a Sustainable Eco Retreat Focused on Community Engagement

Authors:
Tunli Pang, Man-hin Ma
Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Glass Panels Define a Sustainable Eco Retreat Focused on Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Emphasizing its charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls, the eco retreat offers a sustainable haven that encourages community interaction and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features large glass panels that provide abundant natural light and stunning landscape views.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
04
Design includes flexible spaces that adapt to various community activities and gatherings.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the architecture to support eco-friendly practices.
The project titled "N(a/ur)ture" exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture, showcasing how design can foster a connection between individuals and their environment. Situated in a serene landscape, the retreat encapsulates an essence of sustainability and wellness, serving as a space for individuals to retreat from urban life while promoting healthy living and community engagement.

This architectural endeavor represents more than just a physical structure; it is a concept that embodies a philosophy of nurturing both the self and the environment. The design is centered around the idea that architecture should facilitate experiences that enhance personal well-being, cultivate mindfulness, and encourage interaction with nature. Through its carefully curated spaces, the project aims to inspire a sense of belonging and tranquility among its users.

The primary function of N(a/ur)ture is to serve as an eco-retreat that allows guests to engage in various activities such as yoga, communal cooking, and gardening. The architectural layout is designed to accommodate these functions seamlessly, including areas dedicated to workshops, social gatherings, and individual relaxation. Each space is interconnected, guiding visitors through a journey that emphasizes both individual and communal experiences.

Key elements of the project include the Harvest Space, Studio, Social Area, and Retreat Zone. The Harvest Space stands out as an area where visitors can participate in agriculture-related activities, fostering a hands-on connection with the food they consume. This area is designed with extensive glass panels that invite natural light while maintaining a view of the lush surroundings. The Studio serves as a flexible space for various group activities, highlighted by its adaptability and openness. It promotes collaboration and creativity, essential for the retreat's ethos. The Social Area encourages community interactions, where visitors can share meals made from locally sourced ingredients. This fosters a sense of solidarity and highlights the importance of shared experiences in promoting well-being.

The Retreat Zone is intentionally designed to provide a calming ambiance, featuring natural materials and inviting seating arrangements. This space is integral to personal reflection and relaxation, providing an escape within the retreat. The architectural forms throughout the project employ a mix of gabled roofs and varying heights, contributing to a dynamic interaction with the landscape. The roof profiles are designed to facilitate rainwater collection, further emphasized by the project's commitment to sustainability.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in the overall design. The project predominantly features responsibly sourced timber for structural elements, which adds warmth and organic character. Recycled glass is incorporated into wall panels, enhancing transparency and light penetration, while local stone is employed for durability and aesthetic coherence. Earth-toned roof tiles complete the design, ensuring that both functionality and aesthetic alignment with the natural environment are maintained.

What sets N(a/ur)ture apart is its holistic design approach that integrates sustainability into every aspect of architecture. The project balances contemporary design with traditional techniques, taking into consideration the site's ecological footprint while creating spaces that foster interaction and personal growth. The thoughtful circulation paths allow for exploration, making the journey through the retreat as enriching as the destination itself.

This architecture encourages users to engage with their surroundings actively, from the agricultural endeavors in the Harvest Space to the peaceful moments spent in the Retreat Zone. Throughout the design, there is an underlying theme of connectivity—to nature, to oneself, and to others that invites exploration of well-being through architecture.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural elements of N(a/ur)ture, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is highly encouraged. Each detail contributes to an understanding of how architecture can serve as a catalyst for community, sustainability, and personal transformation.
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