Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Clay-Infused Stone Retreat Nestled in Nature’s Embrace

Author:
Juan Carlos Naranjo
Clay-Infused Stone Retreat Nestled in Nature’s Embrace

Project in-detail

Clay and stone blend seamlessly with the forest landscape to create a wellness retreat that emphasizes relaxation and connection to nature through thoughtfully designed communal and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced clay and stone for a sustainable building approach.
02
Incorporates large expanses of glass to enhance natural light and views.
03
Features terraces that extend into the forest, promoting outdoor interaction.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
05
Includes dedicated therapy spaces that overlook serene water features.

## Overview
Located in Latvia, the project TER.REST.TRIAL explores the interplay between the built environment and the natural landscape. This design prioritizes a relationship with the surrounding geography, emphasizing an earthy aesthetic and respect for local materials, particularly clay, which reflects Latvia’s geological characteristics.

### Architectural Concept
The design concept is built around three principal themes. First, the "Silhouette of Giving" expresses architectural forms that evoke gestures of cradling, symbolizing a connection to the earth. This is complemented by a materiality strategy that utilizes local clay and stone, promoting durability and a cohesive integration with the landscape. The arrangement of spaces is informed by topography, creating terraces that enhance engagement with natural surroundings and offer vistas of the forest and pond.

### Material Choices and Spatial Configuration
Materials are selected to reflect the project's identity, with clay serving as a significant local resource that embodies the essence of the landscape. Stone walls form a robust structural backbone, while expansive glazing enhances natural light and visual connections to the outdoors. Wood elements add warmth to communal areas, fostering intimacy and comfort.

The spatial organization includes thoughtful configurations that balance communal and private areas, ensuring flexibility for various family sizes. Dedicated therapy rooms are positioned to overlook tranquil water bodies, contributing to a calming atmosphere. The extensive use of terraces and large openings allows for a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a lifestyle that emphasizes harmony with nature.

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