Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Contemplative Space Constructed With Darkened Plywood and Natural Stone

Authors:
Stephen Ferroni, Tristan Clauson
Contemplative Space Constructed With Darkened Plywood and Natural Stone

Project in-detail

Constructed with darkened plywood and complemented by natural stone, the design creates a contemplative environment that enhances the yoga experience while seamlessly connecting the interior space to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with darkened plywood for weather resistance.
02
Features an open drainage system for sustainable water management.
03
Positioned to maximize views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporates natural stone elements for structural integrity.
05
Designed to create distinct areas for personal contemplation.

The yoga cabin is designed to fit harmoniously within its natural landscape, marked by distinct topographical features and a predominantly wooden environment. The concept highlights how perspectives and spatial experiences can be shaped to enhance the relationship between the building and its surroundings. The cabin is intended for both functional use and personal reflection, encouraging users to connect deeply with nature during their practice.

Spatial Organization

Inside the cabin, a prominent wall serves as a central element that organizes the layout. This wall creates individual spaces while also accommodating essential features like the fireplace, kitchenette, and utility connections for water, power, and smoke exhaust. The arrangement is practical and straightforward, allowing for easy movement through the cabin while clearly defining different areas.

Sensory Experience

A notable aspect of the design is the open drain floor in the shower area, which allows water to flow into cisterns, contributing to sustainable practices. This feature adds an auditory element to the space. The gentle sound of running water creates a calming atmosphere. Skylights throughout the cabin bring in natural light, enhancing the mood and providing different lighting conditions at various times of the day.

Connection to Landscape

The yoga room is oriented to take advantage of the surrounding views. This layout helps practitioners feel connected to the outdoors during their sessions. The balanced arrangement encourages users to look outward, fostering mindfulness in the practice. By adjusting perspectives and scales, the design enhances the connection between the cabin’s interior and the expansive landscape outside, enriching the experience of yoga.

Material Considerations

The materials chosen for the construction include darkened plywood, which is treated for durability in outdoor conditions, and cork, selected for its insulating properties. Stone elements are used within steel cages, with poured concrete serving as lintels to create divisions that maintain proportionate human scales. The selection of these materials is deliberate, ensuring that the cabin is both durable and visually in tune with its environment.

The interplay of light through various openings and the tactile quality of materials contribute to a layered experience within the cabin. This design allows users to appreciate the relationship between the interior spaces and the scenic views outside, creating a space for contemplation and connection 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