Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Curved Geometry and Charred Wooden Shingles in Sustainable Timber Residence

Authors:
Judith Cukier, Miguel Acosta, Juan David Ramirez, Juan David Ramirez
Curved Geometry and Charred Wooden Shingles in Sustainable Timber Residence

Project in-detail

Curved walls wrapped in charred wooden shingles define a new approach to sustainable design, seamlessly connecting interior spaces with the surrounding landscape while serving as a serene retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances structural stability while reducing construction waste.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and enhanced fire resistance.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal insulation and energy efficiency.
04
Strategic placement of glass panels maximizes natural light while offering panoramic views of the landscape.
05
The project incorporates native materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting local craftsmanship.
The Taipa Moses project demonstrates an intriguing blend of architecture and its surrounding environment, revealing a concept that prioritizes harmony with nature while fulfilling essential functional requirements. Located in a topographically diverse area, the project is designed with an overarching goal of creating a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural landscape. This design approach reflects a deep respect for the existing terrain and ecosystem, achieving both aesthetic and functional objectives.

This architectural endeavor serves multiple functions, providing a space conducive for relaxation, contemplation, and interaction with nature. The layout is characterized by a spiraling form that draws inspiration from the Fibonacci sequence, guiding the design process and influencing the organization of spaces. The resulting configuration promotes natural movement through the building, allowing occupants to experience a fluid transition from one area to another. This methodology encourages exploration and engagement with the surroundings, rather than a simple linear experience.

A key feature of this project is its spatial organization, which combines open communal areas with more intimate, private spaces. The thoughtful arrangement fosters both social interaction and personal reflection, enabling occupants to choose their level of engagement with fellow visitors or the natural landscape. This flexibility is crucial in a design that aims to cater to diverse activities, from quiet contemplation to gatherings.

Materiality plays a significant role in the project, with a palette that emphasizes sustainability and local resources. The use of laminated wood and sustainably sourced timber reflects a commitment to eco-friendly building practices while imparting warmth and a natural aesthetic to the interior spaces. Stone is strategically incorporated within the structure to provide durability and stability, establishing a solid grounding that resonates with the surrounding geological context. Concrete is another essential material, utilized in ways that maintain the architectural integrity and support the unique curvature of the design.

Large expanses of glass are another noteworthy aspect of the Taipa Moses project. By maximizing views and natural light, the design creates a transparent connection with the outdoors. This conscious effort to blur the boundaries between inside and outside fosters a greater sense of environmental awareness among occupants, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the landscape. Natural light not only enhances the visual appeal of the interior but also plays an essential role in the energy efficiency of the building.

Unique design approaches emerge throughout the project, particularly in how the structure responds to the geographical context. Rather than imposing itself on the landscape, the design seeks to integrate fluidly with the topography, respecting the site's features while enhancing the natural environment. The orientation of the building capitalizes on optimal sunlight exposure, while carefully placed overhangs provide shade, further enhancing energy conservation efforts.

Architectural plans and designs showcase thoughtful details that enrich the overall experience of the Taipa Moses project. The interaction of light and shadow across the surfaces of the structure, as well as the interplay of materials, establishes a visual language that resonates with the surrounding environment. Architectural sections reveal the cohesive relationships between different spaces, emphasizing the organic flow and the relationship between architecture and nature.

The Taipa Moses project embodies architectural ideas focused on sustainability, material integrity, and environmental responsiveness. Each design decision is deliberate, ensuring that the building not only serves its intended functions but also contributes positively to the landscape around it. The emphasis on organic forms and natural sequences enriches the architecture, allowing for an experience that is both grounded and uplifting.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design elements can provide further insight into the functionality and thought processes behind the design. Engaging with these details will enhance your appreciation of how this project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and nature.
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