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 Wooden Shingles and Local Timber Bring Sustainable Retreat Into Natural Harmony

Author:
Chee Xu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Timber Bring Sustainable Retreat Into Natural Harmony

Project in-detail

Incorporating locally sourced timber and charred wooden shingles, the design creates a sustainable retreat that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while providing flexible living spaces for users.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize structural stability and aesthetics.
04
Includes adaptable interior spaces for multifunctional use.
05
Employs rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable resource management.

# Amber Road Trekking Cabin: Architectural Design Analysis

## Overview
Located within a diverse ecosystem, the Amber Road Trekking Cabin is designed to integrate with its natural environment while emphasizing sustainable architectural practices. The intent of the project is to create a space that balances contemporary living with the surrounding landscape, drawing inspiration from local ecological conditions. The design reflects a thorough consideration of site-specific characteristics, focusing on material selection, spatial organization, and user interaction.

## Spatial Organization and User Interaction
The cabin features a dynamic spatial configuration that promotes flexibility and adaptability for its occupants. The interplay between open and enclosed areas facilitates both communal and solitary experiences, allowing users to connect with nature while enjoying privacy when desired. Elements such as movable partitions have been incorporated to enhance usability based on individual needs and environmental factors.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The use of local timber plays a critical role in both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth, fostering a connection to the regional character. Glass is strategically utilized to optimize natural light and maintain visual links to the surroundings. Metal elements, used for durability, counterbalance organic materials while contributing to the structure's overall resilience. Additionally, the selection of insulation materials supports energy efficiency, aligning with the project’s commitment to sustainability. This emphasis on responsibly sourced materials is supported by features including rainwater collection systems and potential solar energy integration, promoting off-grid functionality.

### Unique Design Characteristics
The cabin is marked by its responsiveness to the geographical features of the site, incorporating elevated platforms and terraces to enhance views while minimizing disturbance to local flora. The angular rooflines are designed for effective rainwater management, maintaining practicality alongside aesthetic appeal. The textural contrast between smooth surfaces—such as glass and polished wood—and the rugged landscape enriches the sensory experience of the structure. This careful attention to form and aesthetics contributes to a balanced and cohesive visual identity within the natural context.

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