Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber Huts Emphasizing Biophilic Design in a Nature-Integrated Workspace

Author:
Nada Nabil Saad Ibrahim Hamam
Cross-Laminated Timber Huts Emphasizing Biophilic Design in a Nature-Integrated Workspace

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber to mimic mangrove structures, the design integrates circular huts that promote collaboration and focus within a nature-centric workspace.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Employs a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Features a circular layout that fosters connection and flow between spaces.
05
Integrates biophilic design elements, promoting a seamless relationship with the surrounding environment.

## Overview

Situated on Purple Island in Qatar, the Hut Hub is designed to enhance workspace functionality while fostering engagement with the surrounding natural environment. Drawing inspiration from mangrove trees, the concept addresses adaptability and sustainability, promoting a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. The layout comprises a series of distinct circular zones, each serving specific functions—including hospitality, learning, collaboration, and concentration—thus facilitating a varied work experience for users.

## Spatial Strategy

The design incorporates a circular configuration of huts, each tailored to specific activities. The **Hospitality Hut** welcomes users and encourages communal interactions, while the **Learning Hut** provides resources for knowledge sharing. The **Collaboration Hut** is dedicated to teamwork, emphasizing cooperative efforts, and the **Concentration Hut** offers private spaces tailored for focused tasks. The varying heights and upward-curving roofs of these huts optimize natural light penetration and support an intuitive flow, guiding occupants through defined pathways between zones.

## Material Selection

Material choices in the Hut Hub play a crucial role in achieving its aesthetic and ecological objectives. The primary materials employed include reinforced concrete for structural strength, timber for warmth and natural aesthetics, and glass in roof elements to maximize daylight. Additionally, earth-based materials are used for exterior cladding to reflect the textures of the local landscape. This thoughtful integration aims to enhance energy efficiency, leveraging natural light and ventilation conducive to the arid climate of Qatar.

## Environmental Strategies

The project's environmental emphasis is demonstrated through its architecture and site integration. Natural ventilation is facilitated by strategically placed upper openings, enhancing air quality and cooling. The orientation of the building captures sunlight while mitigating heat through indirect light. By incorporating native vegetation, including roof gardens, the Hut Hub supports biodiversity and contributes positively to the local ecosystem.

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