Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cypress Retreat Elevated by Operable Openings in Nature

Author:
Christian Maidankine
Cypress Retreat Elevated by Operable Openings in Nature
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With operable openings that foster a direct connection to the surrounding landscape, the cabin utilizes cypress wood and a simple timber frame design to create an intimate retreat for couples seeking relaxation and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Operable openings allow occupants to adjust indoor-outdoor connectivity based on preference.
02
Constructed using locally sourced cypress wood for environmental sensitivity.
03
Screw piles minimize ground disturbance, enhancing sustainability.
04
A simple timber frame maximizes usable space while minimizing construction complexity.
05
Features a dedicated exterior deck for enhanced interaction with the landscape.

The Earth Energies Sanctuary cabin serves as a retreat for couples, offering a space to relax and connect with nature. Located near the Firth of Thames, the retreat is designed to encourage users to step away from daily routines. The concept focuses on blending indoor comfort with outdoor beauty. It aims to provide a sense of privacy while allowing occupants to enjoy expansive views of the landscape.

Design Concept

The cabin features operable openings, which let occupants choose how much they want to connect with the outdoors. These openings create a dynamic relationship between the interior and exterior spaces. They allow fresh air and light to enter while offering the choice to shut out the outside world for a more intimate atmosphere. By prioritizing flexibility in layout, the cabin fosters a peaceful environment where couples can unwind.

Spatial Organization

The cabin has a simple timber frame structure that is easy to build and creates open spaces. The layout organizes essential areas, such as a living space, kitchenette, bath, and sleeping quarters, along with an exterior deck for outdoor enjoyment. This clear organization helps users move smoothly from one area to another. Visitors can partake in various activities inside and outside, maintaining a strong connection to the natural surroundings.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key focus for the cabin. Screw piles allow for minimal ground disturbance, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The roof is designed to control natural light and collect rainwater for storage, which simplifies water management for the cabin. These features contribute to a self-sufficient system that aligns with eco-friendly practices.

Material Selection

Cypress wood is used for the walls, while steel fins provide shade and improve the building's energy efficiency. Inside, plywood sheets are used for floors and ceilings, lending a warm feeling to the space. The choice of materials supports local ecosystems and deepens the relationship between the cabin and its natural setting.

The cabin's design allows occupants to adjust their surroundings, making it easy to experience nature without leaving the comfort of home. Each element invites visitors to engage with the landscape and enjoy their time together.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

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