Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

CNC-Milled Pine Structure Embraces Natural Light for Urban Retreat

Authors:
Kristina Masyte, Diana Georgiana Tofan
CNC-Milled Pine Structure Embraces Natural Light for Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

CNC-milled pine panels form a tranquil retreat that harnesses natural light to create a meditative space in the heart of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
CNC-milled panels enhance the natural warmth and texture of the interior.
02
The design encourages an upward flow of energy through its vertical axis.
03
Natural light is directed solely through a central skylight for focused illumination.
04
Semi-transparent elements allow glimpses of the structure from the exterior.
05
The project emphasizes sustainability by utilizing renewable wood materials.

Hollow Tree Cabin is located in Tokyo, serving as a peaceful escape from the rapid pace of city life. The design addresses the growing distance people have from nature, offering a space that encourages reflection and calm. Blending organic shapes with elements of environmental psychology, the project invites individuals to step away from daily stress and engage in a more meditative state.

Design Concept

The design shifts from traditional rectangular forms to flowing organic shapes. This transition represents a move away from rigid urban environments. The cabin is created as a sanctuary, allowing for moments of peace and quiet. The design engages users by connecting them to their natural surroundings.

Materials Used

CNC-milled panels made from raw pine timber are the primary materials used in the construction. These panels introduce warmth, making the interior feel inviting. Wood’s natural qualities help lower heart rates and reduce anxiety. This emphasis on using wood aligns with contemporary ideas about sustainability in design, offering both comfort and ecological benefits.

Light and Transparency

A skylight at the center of the cabin brings in natural light, encouraging upward gazes while minimizing distractions from the outside world. This choice fosters a connection with the environment, allowing the space to evolve with changing light throughout the day. Semi-transparent panels also give people glimpses of the wooden structure, sparking curiosity from those outside.

Spatial Experience

The overall experience inside Hollow Tree Cabin is defined by a thoughtful arrangement of organic forms and controlled light. Each element is designed to create an engaging environment that blends indoor and outdoor sensations. As light filters through the openings and plays on the wood surfaces, it enhances the atmosphere. This interplay emphasizes the intention to create a balance between nature and urban life, offering a soothing refuge within the busy city.

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