Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Circular Form Featuring Glulam and Basalt Integration in a Ski Facility

Author:
Gábor Tóth
Circular Form Featuring Glulam and Basalt Integration in a Ski Facility

Project in-detail

Employing a circular design that harmonizes glulam and basalt, the facility integrates with its alpine environment to enhance skier preparation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular structure enhances natural light and visibility of the surrounding landscape.
02
Integration of a green roof promotes biodiversity and user engagement with nature.
03
Use of basalt stone emphasizes local materiality and ecological context.
04
Efficient longitudinal load-bearing system allows for flexible internal space layout.
05
Dedicated zones developed for skier preparation and community interaction optimize functionality.

## Project Overview

The Circular Kátya is situated in a mountainous region ideal for skiing, designed to enhance recreational activities while integrating with the surrounding landscape. The architectural intent centers on creating a facility that balances modern functionality with a contextual sensitivity to its environment. The resulting design embodies a triangular floor plan that efficiently organizes the building into distinct areas for recreation, relaxation, and operational use.

### Functional Zoning

The design is divided into three primary functional zones:

- **Preparation Areas for Skiing:** These spaces are equipped to support skiers with essential amenities and equipment storage.
- **Recreational Spaces:** Designed to facilitate relaxation and social interactions among users and staff, promoting a community-oriented atmosphere.
- **Staff Facilities:** Strategic workspaces and storage areas are incorporated to meet operational needs while ensuring minimal disruption to the guest experience.

This arrangement enhances the circulation and flow of users, accommodating the diverse needs of both visitors and staff.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The material selection plays a pivotal role in achieving aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Glulam timbers provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, while locally sourced basalt stone establishes a visual connection to the landscape, reinforcing the building's foundation. The use of triple-glazed windows maximizes thermal insulation and indoor-outdoor connectivity, allowing for unobstructed views.

Incorporating a green roof furthers sustainability efforts by promoting biodiversity and providing walkable recreational spaces. The building's orientation is strategically designed to optimize natural light and ventilation, minimizing energy consumption and enhancing user comfort in alignment with ecological principles.

The structural design features a load-bearing pillar and beam system, facilitating wide spans and a sense of openness, complemented by curtain walls that shield against local weather conditions. This approach contributes to the building's distinctive appearance, giving it a 'floating' quality that harmonizes with the natural landscape.

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