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 Retreat Featuring Communal Hearth and Natural Light Integration

Authors:
Matilde Valagussa, Laura Zura - Puntaroni, Andrea Brambilla, Matteo Losurdo
Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Featuring Communal Hearth and Natural Light Integration

Project in-detail

A modular design utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and circular perforations allows for abundant natural light, fostering a warm communal space that serves as a year-round retreat in the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features circular perforations that enhance natural light penetration throughout the space.
04
Includes a central communal hearth that serves as a focal point for gatherings.
05
Adapts to varying occupancy needs with a flexible modular layout.

### Project Overview
The architectural project "Soundtrek" is located in Iceland, designed to engage with the surrounding landscape while addressing the region's climatic and aesthetic nuances. The design concept draws inspiration from the northern environment, emphasizing both spatial interaction and sensory engagement with natural phenomena, particularly the aurora borealis.

### Spatial Configuration and Material Selection
The architectural form features a cubic structure with circular perforations that provide both aesthetic appeal and functional advantages, allowing natural light and air to permeate the interior. The layout promotes versatility, facilitating a range of activities from communal gatherings to individual reflection. The interior spaces employ warm wood finishes, reinforcing a sense of comfort and enhancing the user experience in a cold climate. Materials such as cross-laminated timber ensure structural integrity and thermal efficiency, while strategically placed glazing maximizes light entry without compromising insulation.

### Sustainability and Cultural Integration
Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, incorporating energy-efficient solutions such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The architecture reflects responsibility towards environmental impact while maintaining functionality. The design also references traditional Nordic symbols, invoking community values and shared experiences relevant to the local culture. Features such as a central hearth offer comfort and a focal point for social interaction, bridging the gap between modern living and cultural heritage. The adaptable interior can accommodate varying group sizes, enhancing its appeal to diverse users and reinforcing the connection to the surrounding landscape through strategically framed vistas.

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