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 Sanctuary Crafted From Natural Timber and Enhanced With Photovoltaic Integration

Authors:
Javier Martínez, VERONICA FERNÁNDEZ-BLANCO
Circular Sanctuary Crafted From Natural Timber and Enhanced With Photovoltaic Integration

Project in-detail

Crafted with a circular layout and natural timber elements, this retreat incorporates photovoltaic panels for energy efficiency, serving as a dedicated space for yoga and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a circular layout to enhance energy flow and community interaction.
02
Incorporates photovoltaic panels seamlessly into the roof design for renewable energy.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and sustainability.
04
Features charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.

**Project Overview**
The Samadhi Yoga House, located in Cape Kolka, Latvia, near the Baltic Sea, serves as a retreat designed to foster yoga practice and holistic living. The architectural intent emphasizes the integration of human activity with the surrounding natural landscape through sustainable design principles. Offering spaces dedicated to meditation, relaxation, and community engagement, the project aims to facilitate a balanced environment conducive to physical and spiritual well-being.

**Site Planning and Spatial Organization**
The design features a circular structure that serves as a central gathering area, promoting a flow of energy that aligns with concepts found in Eastern philosophies. This circular configuration symbolizes unity and completeness, resonating with the foundational principles of yoga. The site layout incorporates a central meditation space surrounded by functional areas such as changing rooms and relaxation spaces. This thoughtful arrangement allows for the coexistence of public and private areas, optimizing user experience.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives**
The material palette underscores a commitment to sustainability, incorporating elements such as sandwich panel roofing for thermal efficiency, ceramic flooring for durability, and timber for structural integrity and natural aesthetics. Photovoltaic panels are integrated to harness solar energy, enhancing the building's eco-friendly attributes. The use of stone elements in landscaping and interior design complements the natural context of the site. Key sustainability strategies include energy-efficient rainwater collection systems, natural ventilation, and the preservation of surrounding ecosystems to promote biodiversity.

The interior design supports dual functionality, enhancing both spiritual and physical wellness, while the communal areas encourage engagement through shared activities like group meditation and workshops.

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