Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Corten Steel Retreat With Solar Tunnel Design and Laminated Wood Structure

Author:
Andrea Bagnoli
Corten Steel Retreat With Solar Tunnel Design and Laminated Wood Structure

Project in-detail

A corten steel exterior envelops a solar tunnel design that channels natural light, complemented by a laminated wood structure, creating a sustainable retreat focused on wellness and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar tunnel architecture optimizes natural light throughout the interior.
02
Protruding front porch provides shade, reducing heat gain.
03
Corten steel exterior develops a unique patina over time.
04
Xlam wood panels enhance structural stability while improving insulation.
05
Recycled polyester fiber insulation aligns with sustainability goals.

The Yoga House on a Cliff is located in Vale de Moses, designed to function as a retreat that connects its occupants with the environment. The structure reflects a commitment to sustainable design, focusing on energy efficiency while also facilitating a strong relationship with the landscape. The overall concept emphasizes the use of natural light and minimizes the building's ecological footprint, creating an environment that promotes well-being.

Solar Design

The building is designed as a solar tunnel, allowing sunlight to penetrate into interior spaces, enhancing brightness and reducing the need for artificial light. This approach helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere while ensuring that energy consumption is kept low.



Thermal Comfort

To address heat during the warm months, the architecture incorporates a protruding front porch. This feature provides necessary shade and keeps the interior cooler. Large windows on the south side, fitted with double glazing, enhance energy efficiency and offer views of the outdoors, blending comfort with the surrounding scenery.



Materials and Construction

Construction methods emphasize prefabrication and on-site assembly. The main framework consists of a laminated wood structure supported by concrete pillars. Bracing is provided by xlam wood panels, which contribute to the building's stability. Insulation is achieved using 20 cm of polyester fiber made from recycled materials, aligning the project with sustainability goals while improving thermal performance.



Aesthetic Integration

The outer walls are made of corten steel that will develop a unique rust-like patina over time. This feature helps the building blend into its surroundings naturally. The choice of materials strengthens the visual connection between the structure and the landscape, creating a sense of continuity as the seasons change.

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