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 Structure with Hybrid Solar Panels and Natural Cork for Community Wellness

Authors:
Miguel ángel Ruiz de temiño, Guillermo Ráfales
Elevated Structure with Hybrid Solar Panels and Natural Cork for Community Wellness

Project in-detail

An elevated structure utilizing hybrid solar panels and natural cork integrates seamlessly into the landscape, promoting community wellness through dedicated yoga spaces and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
The yoga room is centrally positioned to enhance community interaction.
02
Natural cork insulation is used for efficient environmental performance.
03
Elevation of the structure allows for interaction with surrounding trees.
04
Hybrid solar panels contribute to energy self-sufficiency for the building.
05
A rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management practices.

The Path Center is designed to promote wellness and reflection, providing a space for yoga practice and community engagement. Located in a tranquil setting, the project blends with its natural surroundings. The design focuses on the journey to personal well-being, emphasizing how individuals connect with nature and with each other.

Central Space Design

The yoga room is the main focus of the Center, carefully situated to highlight its importance. This room encourages both individual meditation and group activities, fostering a sense of community. The design allows for easy movement through the space, facilitating a connection between indoors and outdoors, which enhances the overall experience for users.

Sustainability Strategies

The architectural design incorporates sustainable features through both passive and active methods. Large windows facing south maximize natural light, helping to reduce the need for heating in colder months. The north side is well-insulated to minimize heat loss, while overhanging eaves protect the interior from excessive sun during summer. These strategies create a comfortable environment year-round.

Water Management Systems

Efficient water management is a key aspect of the design. Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored in a tank, allowing for responsible usage throughout the building. Dry toilets contribute to water conservation by reducing overall water use while creating compost for gardens. Greywater from sinks and showers is treated in a small pond that uses plants to filter and improve water quality.

Material Selection

The materials chosen for the Center play an important role in its function and aesthetics. Hybrid solar panels are used to generate energy, while ceramic tiles, natural cork insulation, wooden structures, and clay plaster support the overall design. Using locally sourced materials reduces transportation impacts and strengthens connections to the surrounding environment.

Elevated above the ground, the structure offers views of the trees and landscape. This height provides a peaceful setting that encourages users to engage in personal reflection and growth, enhancing their overall experience while at the Center.

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