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 Native Materials Form a Modular Retreat in the Mountains

Author:
Katie Vasbinder
Charred Wooden Shingles and Native Materials Form a Modular Retreat in the Mountains

Project in-detail

Modular cabins clad in charred wooden shingles rise from the mountainous landscape, seamlessly blending native materials with sustainable design to create a tranquil retreat for meditation and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light.
04
The layout includes a meditation garden designed with locally sourced cobblestones.
05
Modular construction allows for adaptability and minimal environmental impact.
The architectural project titled "A Lotus in the Mountain" embodies a thoughtful design that merges spirituality with sustainable living, catering to the needs of individuals seeking mindfulness and connection to nature. Situated in a serene mountainous environment, this project serves as a retreat for meditation and relaxation, prioritized through its carefully crafted spaces and the selection of materials that harmonize with the landscape. The design not only provides a physical refuge but also represents the pursuit of personal growth and community engagement, reflected in its architectural choices and functionality.

The project prominently features modular cabins that resemble the gentle unfolding of lotus petals, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. This unique conceptual approach allows for flexibility in use, making the cabins adaptable to different user needs, promoting an environment of both solitude and togetherness. Each cabin's design incorporates large windows that frame picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, blurring the boundaries between the interior and the natural world outside. The architecture is intentionally minimalistic, encouraging a sense of calmness and clarity that aligns with the project’s meditative purpose.

Key aspects of the project include the incorporation of a meditation garden, which serves as the heart of the retreat. This garden, paved with native cobblestones, features a tranquil water fountain that provides a serene auditory backdrop, inviting visitors to pause and reflect. The layout encourages movement throughout the site via gentle pathways leading to communal spaces, hammock areas, and individual cabins. Each element is strategically placed to enhance the overall user experience, promoting a balance between individual reflection and community interaction.

The choice of materials underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. Natural wood is extensively used in flooring and structural elements, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of durable metal sandwich panels for roofing ensures that the structures maintain their integrity through evolving weather conditions while offering energy efficiency. In addition, the integration of solar panels into the design supports an eco-friendly ethos by generating renewable energy for the cabins. This conscious choice in materials not only aligns with the environmental landscape but also enhances the retreat’s resilience over time.

Interior spaces have been designed with functionality in mind, featuring an open layout that maximizes natural light. This thoughtful arrangement not only connects the inhabitants to the beauty outside but also creates multifunctional spaces that accommodate yoga, meditation, and leisure activities. Each cabin is equipped with necessary amenities to ensure comfort, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their retreat experience without distractions.

One of the project’s most significant achievements lies in its unique approach to community engagement. By providing shared spaces like the meditation garden and paths, the design invites interactions among users, cultivating a supportive community atmosphere while still allowing for individual privacy. This balance addresses the diverse needs of visitors, making the retreat accessible to a wider audience interested in personal development and well-being.

Overall, "A Lotus in the Mountain" is a thoughtful architectural project that exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, community, and functionality. Its innovative designs resonate with the landscape, promoting a harmonious existence that enhances the user experience. To fully appreciate the architectural plans, sections, and design iterations behind this project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the presentation further. This exploration promises deeper insights into the architectural ideas that bring this unique retreat to life.
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