Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cork Acoustics and Stone Essence in a Tranquil Retreat

Authors:
Marie Parez, Raphaël Contesso
Cork Acoustics and Stone Essence in a Tranquil Retreat

Project in-detail

A cone of Portuguese stone with a zenithal opening captures natural light while cork-lined spaces enhance acoustics in a retreat designed for meditation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cone structure made of Portuguese stone with a zenithal opening for natural light.
02
Cork interior lining enhances acoustics for meditative practices.
03
Features a rainwater recovery system for sustainable water usage.
04
Outdoor theater designed for community gatherings and events.
05
Built on a stone retaining wall that integrates with the landscape.

The design integrates built spaces with the natural landscape, focusing on wellness and meditation. Located in a tranquil setting, the building is intended to provide both function and serenity for its users. The overall concept is about creating spaces that reflect a harmonious connection to the environment.

FORM AND MATERIALITY

The building features a folded roof made of stone tiles, enhancing its presence on the site. This roof design helps the structure blend into the landscape while offering protection to the spaces beneath. A frame constructed from maritime pine ensures reliable structural support, allowing for open and welcoming interior areas.

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES

Sustainability is a central aspect of the design, demonstrated through the use of a rainwater recovery system. This system captures water from the roof, which is then used in shower facilities and an outdoor kitchen. This practical approach showcases efficient resource management and aligns with a broader focus on environmental responsibility. The inclusion of a stone retaining wall further grounds the structure, enhancing both its stability and its connection to the geography.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

The interior spaces accommodate various activities, reflecting careful planning. Areas such as the main yoga room and the outdoor yoga plaza support individual wellness routines, while communal spaces like the outdoor theater encourage social gatherings. This thoughtful layout allows users to move easily between personal reflection and shared experiences, highlighting the emphasis on overall well-being.

DESIGN DETAILS

A prominent feature is the cone made from Portuguese stone, which has a zenithal opening. This design invites natural light into the interior, creating a peaceful environment for contemplation. The outdoor spaces include a terrace and pathways paved with large natural stones, fostering a deeper engagement with the landscape. Each design detail contributes to a sense of calm, making the building a retreat that effectively combines functionality and 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