Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Elevated Living Pods Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber with Integrated Rainwater Systems

Authors:
Mario Garcia Serrano, Mateo Sellés De Diego
Elevated Living Pods Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber with Integrated Rainwater Systems
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated sleeping pods constructed from cross-laminated timber incorporate advanced rainwater harvesting systems, offering a sustainable living solution that harmonizes with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground disturbance and enhances natural ventilation.
02
Rainwater harvesting systems are seamlessly integrated into the structure.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure superior strength and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes space while maximizing views of the landscape.

The project titled "The DROP" is an architectural design that aims to create a sustainable living environment harmonizing with the natural landscape. Positioned in an area characterized by vast valleys and forests, this design integrates human habitation with the ecological context. The primary function of the project is to provide flexible living spaces that enhance the occupants' interaction with nature while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

The project features a series of timber sleeping pods strategically scattered across the site, positioned to maximize views of the surrounding landscape. Each pod is elevated above the ground to minimize disruption to the topography and allow for natural ventilation. The choice of local timber reflects a commitment to sustainability while providing an aesthetic quality that connects the structures with their environment. The design incorporates pathways that weave through the trees, facilitating movement between the sleeping pods and communal areas.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing characteristics of "The DROP" is its integration of advanced energy and water systems within the architectural framework. The use of rainwater harvesting and fog moisture collection systems not only contributes to water sustainability but also minimizes the demand for external resources. This approach aligns with contemporary ecological demands, guiding the project toward a self-sufficient model.

The architectural design further employs solar panels that blend with the overall aesthetic, demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy sources. This integration of technology and architecture creates a cohesive living experience that encourages energy efficiency. The modular furniture within the sleeping pods is specifically designed for the compact spaces, contributing to functionality without sacrificing comfort.

Materials and Construction Techniques

The project’s material palette consists mainly of locally sourced timber, which is used for both structural elements and interior finishes. This choice supports local economies and reduces transportation emissions. Glass elements are strategically placed to maximize natural light and provide uninterrupted views of the landscape, reinforcing the connection between the interior and the exterior.

The architectural plans detail the structural layout and the relationship between various elements of the project. The architectural sections illustrate the pod design’s elevated structure and integration with the topography, showcasing a balanced interaction between built and natural environments. These technical drawings provide insights into the design's practical execution and spatial organization.

The comprehensive architectural ideas presented in "The DROP" reflect a thoughtful approach to modern sustainable living. The focus on environmental harmony, user engagement, and innovative resource management positions this project as a relevant case study in contemporary architecture. For a thorough understanding of the design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which includes architectural plans, sections, and visualizations that enhance the understanding of this unique architectural endeavor.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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 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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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
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
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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