Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Curvilinear Forms and Local Stone Define a Sustainable Guest House Experience

Author:
Joshua Rienits
Curvilinear Forms and Local Stone Define a Sustainable Guest House Experience

Project in-detail

Drawing inspiration from geological formations, the guest house integrates curvilinear forms with local stone to create a harmonious retreat that enhances the natural thermal springs experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates negative space principles to enhance airflow and natural light throughout the structure.
02
Utilizes locally sourced natural stone to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
03
Features a modular construction method for efficient assembly and minimal environmental impact.
04
Emphasizes biophilic design elements to foster a deeper connection with nature.
05
Integrates sustainable insulation techniques, enhancing thermal comfort in all seasons.
The architectural project titled "Negative Air" is an innovative design envisioned as a thermal hot springs guest house. It seeks to create a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural landscape, establishing a space that is both functional and immersive. The design reflects a deep respect for natural forms, drawing inspiration from geological elements, specifically the idea of air bubbles and negative spaces found within nature.

The project serves as a guest accommodation facility, providing visitors with a unique experience that is intrinsically linked to the surrounding ecosystem. It embodies a philosophy that prioritizes environmental harmony, encouraging guests to engage with nature while enjoying the comforts of modern architecture. The arrangement of spaces within the guest house encourages social interactions, making it an ideal setting for communal activities while also allowing for personal privacy through thoughtfully designed areas.

Key elements of the design include a variety of interconnected circular and elliptical forms that represent the essence of air bubbles. This fluid geometry is not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhances the spatial experience, allowing for the flow of light and air throughout the interior. The emphasis on negative space is crucial to the project, as it creates an atmosphere of openness and accessibility, providing sensory engagement with the natural surroundings.

Materials play a significant role in the overall design approach. The selection process likely emphasizes natural materials, such as concrete and glass, which help to integrate the building into its environment while ensuring thermal efficiency. The concrete offers structural integrity and durability, while the glass facilitates visual connections to the outside, inviting the natural landscape into the living spaces. The potential use of natural stone further aligns the project with its thermal springs context, providing a tactile quality that resonates with guests.

As the design evolves from conceptual sketches to more detailed models, it becomes evident how negative spaces can influence user experience. Preliminary sketches illustrate the initial thoughts around shape and form, eventually leading to a final design that showcases the complex interplay between interiors and exteriors. The architectural plans highlight how each space is structured not only to fulfill functional requirements but also to enhance the well-being of its occupants.

Architectural sections reveal how these negative spaces perform, illustrating a dynamic relationship between light and air circulation within the house. The floor plans are organized to encourage movement and interaction, allowing guests to navigate through various areas with ease while maintaining a sense of intimacy. Circular rooms are strategically placed to foster community engagement, enabling visitors to share experiences and connect with one another while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

A unique aspect of the "Negative Air" project lies in its ability to challenge traditional architectural norms. By focusing on organic shapes and the importance of voids, the design fosters a dialogue between architecture and the environment, inviting nature into the living space rather than imposing rigid structures upon it. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the guest house but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle, reducing dependency on artificial lighting and climate control.

The seamless integration of architecture and nature invites a reconsideration of space and experience within a hospitality context. It offers a renewed perspective on how architecture can accommodate human needs while respecting and enhancing natural surroundings. As visitors engage with the design, they will likely find themselves immersed in the tranquil atmosphere created by the flowing forms and interconnected spaces.

For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of the "Negative Air" project, exploring architectural plans, sections, and design ideas will provide a more comprehensive understanding of its innovative approach. This investigation into the architectural designs and concepts will uncover how the project achieves a balance between form, function, and environment, paving the way for new possibilities within architectural practice.
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