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 Natural Stone Form a Sustainable Countryside Retreat

Authors:
Dillon Gorton, Rory Lowe
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Form a Sustainable Countryside Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the cabin seamlessly integrates with its rural landscape, offering a sustainable retreat that emphasizes a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and fire resistance while providing a distinctive visual texture.
02
Large expanses of glazing are strategically positioned for optimal natural light, fostering a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed to facilitate rapid construction while maintaining structural integrity and environmental sustainability.
04
The bent A-frame design not only maximizes interior space but also strategically channels rainwater away from the structure.
05
A green roof promotes biodiversity and thermal insulation, enhancing eco-friendliness while blending the building into its natural setting.
This architectural project features a cabin located in Mid-East Portugal, a thoughtful blend of design and nature that underscores an ethos of sustainability and regional authenticity. The project embodies a commitment to creating a natural haven that respects the local environment while providing functional living space. The cabin serves as a retreat, designed for individuals seeking respite from urban life, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the tranquil landscape.

The architecture reflects a minimalist aesthetic characterized by its simplicity and purposeful integration with the surroundings. With careful site selection, the structure maximizes scenic views while utilizing natural topography to create a seamless interaction between the built environment and nature. This harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape is at the heart of the project, presenting a retreat where natural beauty is paramount.

Construction materials play a significant role in the project’s identity. The use of indigenous materials, including natural stone, recycled native lumber, glass, concrete, and a green roof, establishes strong ties to local heritage. Natural stone serves as a primary structural component, providing durability while blending effortlessly into the rugged terrain. Recycled lumber introduces warmth to the design, creating inviting interiors that foster a sense of comfort. Expansive glass elements facilitate ample natural light, promoting transparency and enabling unobstructed views of the exterior landscape. Concrete, used judiciously in foundational elements, adds structural integrity without imposing on the surrounding natural setting. The green roof further integrates the cabin into its environment, promoting biodiversity and enhancing thermal performance.

The design is organized around interconnected spaces that serve specific functions while maintaining an open and adaptable layout. This encourages fluid movement throughout the cabin, enhancing the user experience. Unique design approaches are evident in the sectional layout and dynamic facade. The sections are interrelated yet distinct, allowing for personalization of spaces based on user needs. The contemporary facade, with its unique sliced edge on the southern corner, emphasizes light capture and visual engagement with the environment. The careful orchestration of massing and glazing creates a nuanced depth, contributing to the overall architectural narrative.

Another noteworthy aspect of the project is the incorporation of an inviting rooftop garden. This feature not only serves as an aesthetic enhancement but also extends the usable space, encouraging outdoor activities and providing a platform for relaxation amid nature. The garden reinforces the architecture’s function as a retreat, offering a serene space to unwind while engaging with the surrounding ecosystem.

Attention to environmental considerations has been a driving factor in this design. The careful selection of local materials minimizes the carbon footprint associated with construction, aligning with modern sustainable practices. Passive design strategies are incorporated to ensure natural cooling and heating, making the cabin energy-efficient and reducing reliance on mechanical systems. This thoughtful approach ensures the building remains aligned with its natural context throughout various seasons.

Overall, the architectural design of this cabin project exemplifies a delicate balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, delivering a cohesive experience that promotes a deep connection with the natural landscape. It represents not just a physical structure but an ideology of harmony, sustainability, and respect for the environment. Those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will find valuable insights into the unique ideas that shaped this project. The interplay of materials, design elements, and the overall narrative reflects the passion and purpose behind this architectural endeavor. We invite you to delve deeper into this project's presentation to appreciate the intricate details and thought processes that brought it 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