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 Retreat with Straw Cladding and Natural Surroundings

Author:
Ana rita Rodrigues gomes
Circular Retreat with Straw Cladding and Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

With circular forms wrapped in straw cladding, the design creates a tranquil space for meditation and reflection that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique circular design promotes a sense of serenity and focus.
02
Exterior wrapped in straw allows for natural aging and integration with the environment.
03
Interior layout prioritizes meditation and relaxation, enhancing user experience.
04
Large openings frame views of the surrounding landscape, connecting indoors and outdoors.
05
Geometric forms create defined functional spaces while encouraging movement and interaction.

The design features a wooden structure situated gently within its environment, highlighting a combination of simplicity and reflection. It showcases pure geometric forms—a central square surrounded by four circles—that create a harmonious connection with the landscape. The focus on seclusion enhances the overall purpose, inviting individuals to explore mindfulness and self-awareness within an engaging setting.

Geometric Integration

The arrangement skillfully coordinates the square and circular elements, establishing a clear yet inviting spatial hierarchy. The circles efficiently adapt to the square, defining usable exterior spaces while maintaining an open flow. This thoughtful configuration encourages movement and interaction, fostering a strong link to the natural surroundings.

Material Selection

A defining characteristic of the design is the exterior finished with straw. This choice aligns the structure with the local landscape, allowing it to blend visually. The straw not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also reflects a commitment to sustainability, enabling the building to age naturally over time.

Interior Functional Spaces

Inside, the circular area promotes a peaceful atmosphere, allowing for meditation and relaxation. Users can connect with the outside through ambient sounds and views of trees and open space. While the design maintains simplicity, it thoughtfully includes essential amenities to accommodate various activities, from personal reflection to small gatherings.

Connectedness to Nature

Design details further enhance the relationship between the structure and its setting. Large openings provide scenic views, inviting sunlight and fresh air inside. The layout encourages users to engage fully with the environment. This thoughtful interaction creates a backdrop for quiet contemplation, enriching the overall experience of the space.

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