Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Echoing Sounds Within Spherical Timber Shelters

Authors:
Weronika Plata, Wiktor Stankiewicz
Echoing Sounds Within Spherical Timber Shelters

Project in-detail

Spherical timber modules amplify ambient sounds while providing versatile spaces for community interaction in a forested setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spherical modules allow for flexible spatial arrangements tailored to various activities.
02
Echo-enhancing design focuses on amplifying natural sounds for sensory interaction.
03
Timber sourced directly from the surrounding forest emphasizes ecological sustainability.
04
Modular components facilitate easy dismantling and reuse in future projects.
05
Light filtering through timber panels creates dynamic shadow patterns throughout the day.

The Whispering Shell-ter is a project situated in a forested area, designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. It takes inspiration from the shape and purpose of a bandshell, focusing on how sound interacts with the environment. The structure aims to provide shelter while also becoming a communal space. It enhances the sounds from nature, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of their surroundings through acoustic elements.

Design Concept

The design utilizes a modular approach, with each spherical module serving a distinct purpose. Smaller modules offer private spaces, while larger ones accommodate social gatherings and exhibitions. This adaptability allows for a variety of uses and encourages spontaneous engagement among visitors. The layout promotes interaction, fostering a sense of community while remaining connected to the natural world.

Materiality and Sustainability

Timber sourced from the nearby forest is the main material used in construction. This choice emphasizes sustainability and respect for the environment. Wood not only adds beauty to the structure but also contributes to its sound quality. The design embraces the idea of reusing materials, allowing the panels and beams to be taken apart and repurposed for future projects or furniture.

Acoustic Integration

A key feature is the way sound is integrated into the design. The structure captures the natural sounds of the forest and amplifies them, using echoes to create a unique sensory experience. This focus on acoustics enriches the experience of visitors, encouraging them to connect with the environment. The sound within the pavilion becomes a form of therapy, inviting reflection and tranquility.

Light plays a significant role in the experience within the structure. As sunlight passes through the timber panels, it creates patterns of light and shadow. These shifting patterns breathe life into the space, enhancing the visitor's interaction with both the pavilion and the forest. This thoughtful integration of light and sound makes the Whispering Shell-ter a distinctive place to explore and enjoy.

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