Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Creative retreat crafted from charred timber and cross-laminated panels nestled in nature

Author:
Laurine Hermouet
Creative retreat crafted from charred timber and cross-laminated panels nestled in nature

Project in-detail

This creative retreat seamlessly blends charred timber and cross-laminated panels into a tranquil environment, offering artists and poets a unique haven that fosters inspiration amidst nature's embrace.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The structure employs a bent A-frame design, uniquely enhancing the interaction between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior cladding, providing both durability and a distinctive aesthetic that integrates with the natural environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to create structurally efficient walls, promoting both sustainability and thermal performance.
04
Dedicated meditation terraces are seamlessly incorporated into the landscape, offering tranquil spaces for reflection and engagement with nature.
05
Organic vegetable gardens are integrated into the site design, encouraging residents to participate in sustainable living practices as part of their creative experience.
The project embodies a thoughtful architectural exploration that emphasizes the relationship between built environments and natural surroundings. It stands as a functional space designed for artists and poets, seeking to provide an environment conducive to creativity and reflection. The architectural design intricately weaves together the essence of the landscape and the practical needs of its users, creating spaces that encourage communal interaction as well as personal solitude.

At its core, the architecture represents a fluid concept inspired by the form of water droplets. This analogy captures the natural flow of the site, suggesting a dynamic relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment, allowing users to engage with nature while fulfilling their creative pursuits. It functions not only as a living and working space but also as a social hub where the community can gather, exchange ideas, and foster collaborative spirit.

Important elements of the project include a central communal area that accommodates kitchen and dining functions. This space is designed to promote social interactions among inhabitants, encouraging shared meals and discussions that inspire creativity. Surrounding this communal core are several private huts, each designed to provide a comfortable and practical retreat for individual artists. These huts vary in size and configuration, offering flexibility to accommodate different living arrangements and preferences.

The architectural design places a strong emphasis on sustainability, utilizing materials such as burnt timber for the exterior cladding and recycled local timber for interior finishes. This approach not only reinforces environmental responsibility but also enhances the aesthetic warmth of the interiors, creating inviting spaces that reflect the natural world outside. The organic texture and color of the materials inform the building's overall design language, bridging the gap between the man-made and the natural.

Unique design approaches in this project include the seamless integration of the outdoor environment into the architectural experience. Dedicated meditation areas and organic vegetable gardens are incorporated into the landscape, encouraging residents to connect with the rhythms of nature. These elements reflect a broader design philosophy that values both personal well-being and a sense of community among users. By situating these spaces thoughtfully within the site, the design fosters environments that are conducive to relaxation and inspiration.

Moreover, the architectural layout facilitates a dynamic flow between private and communal spaces. Users can choose to engage with others or retreat into their own serene environments, depending on their needs and mood. This flexibility is a critical aspect of the design, aligning with the intended purpose of the space as both a creative haven and a social retreat.

The project represents a careful consideration of how architectural decisions can enhance the quality of life for its users. The dialogue between structure and nature, the use of sustainable materials, and the thoughtful arrangement of spaces all work together to create a cohesive environment that respects and celebrates the surrounding ecology. For those interested in exploring the nuances of this project, a deeper investigation into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs will provide further insights into the intricacies of the design. It is encouraged to delve into the presentation to appreciate the full scope of architectural ideas that have shaped this thoughtful endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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