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 with Isosandwich Panels Embracing Rocky Slopes

Authors:
Francesca Bonfà, Valentina Fracca
Elevated Living Pods with Isosandwich Panels Embracing Rocky Slopes

Project in-detail

Situated on rocky slopes, the elevated sleeping pods utilize Isosandwich panels to maximize insulation and energy efficiency, offering a minimalist sanctuary that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Eighteen sleeping pods are strategically spaced ten meters apart for privacy.
02
Each pod features large south-facing glass panels to enhance valley views.
03
Pods are elevated on iron pilings, reducing ground disturbance.
04
Isosandwich panels ensure superior insulation in a mountainous climate.
05
Entries are located on northern facades, facilitating accessibility across varying elevations.

The sleeping pods project is located in the Vale de Moses mountains, an area characterized by rocky terrain that is not suitable for farming. Eighteen individual sleeping pods are designed to offer a minimalist living experience in a natural setting. Each pod includes essential features like a sleeping area and a bathroom, promoting both comfort and practicality. The overall design focuses on blending the structures with the landscape while supporting sustainable living.

Location and Spatial Organization

The pods are thoughtfully spaced ten meters apart to provide privacy while ensuring easy access. Each one is placed at different heights, allowing for stunning views of the valley below. With large south-facing glass surfaces, the pods take full advantage of natural light, inviting the landscape inside. Entries on the northern sides are accessed by stairs, accommodating the slope and enhancing the accessibility of each unit.

Structural Considerations

To maintain stability on the uneven ground, the pods are elevated on iron pilings that connect to the main structural elements. This approach minimizes disruption to the natural environment while providing a solid base for the lightweight design. The choice of iron as a support material reflects attention to site-specific challenges, balancing functionality with aesthetic considerations.

Materials and Insulation

Effective insulation is achieved through the use of Isosandwich panels, which help regulate temperature inside the pods. This is crucial in a mountainous area where temperatures can vary widely. Essential systems are also integrated within the pilings, ensuring that the design remains clean and respectful of the surrounding landscape.

Design Aesthetic

The sleeping pods feature a contemporary design that emphasizes function and harmony with nature. Their simple forms invite occupants to connect with their surroundings. The arrangement of the spaces encourages relaxation and a retreat from the busyness of everyday life. Each pod serves as a quiet place to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the natural world, providing a unique experience that fosters a connection between the inhabitants and the landscape.

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