Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Floating Sanctuary Crafted From Glue-Laminated Pine Wood With Expansive Glazing and Stone Accents

Author:
Linda Vendsalu
Floating Sanctuary Crafted From Glue-Laminated Pine Wood With Expansive Glazing and Stone Accents

Project in-detail

Crafted with glue-laminated pine wood and expansive glazing, the design elegantly floats above the landscape, creating a tranquil guest house that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while promoting wellness through communal and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a modular grid structure, allowing for flexible spatial arrangements and future expansions.
02
Large glass panels are strategically positioned to maximize natural light and views while minimizing thermal impact.
03
The guest house features a green roof equipped with solar panels, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
04
Local glue-laminated pine wood is extensively utilized, connecting the building to its geographic context and reducing environmental footprints.
05
The layout encourages communal interaction while providing private retreats, enhancing the overall wellness experience for guests.
The project is a thoughtfully designed guest house known as the "Levitating Duplex," intended primarily as a yoga retreat that emphasizes a deep connection with nature. This architectural endeavor is set in a serene landscape, making it a fitting environment for individuals seeking tranquility and a space for personal reflection or communal activities. The core concept revolves around creating a dual living arrangement that is versatile enough to accommodate both individual and collective needs.

The design functions as both a private sanctuary and a communal hub, allowing guests the freedom to choose between solitude and interaction. The structure consists of two distinct yet interconnected units, each providing comfortable sleeping quarters, living spaces, and essential amenities. This arrangement promotes socialization while ensuring that privacy is attainable. The guest house can easily adapt to various group sizes and dynamics, making it suitable for personal retreats, workshops, or small gatherings.

A major focus of the architectural design is on sustainability and the effective use of local materials. The primary material is glue laminated pine wood, which forms the basis of the structural framework. This locally sourced wood not only reduces transportation emissions but also ties the building to its geographic context. The flooring throughout the living spaces is crafted from local pine, offering a touch of warmth and homeliness. The design incorporates stone flooring in wet areas, contributing both durability and an organic aesthetic that complements the surrounding landscape. Windows and other openings are made of glass, designed to maximize light while providing uninterrupted views of the terrain.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project's architecture, most notably in the use of a modular grid system. This system, measuring 600x600 mm, allows flexibility in the spatial arrangement, accommodating future expansions or modifications with ease. The unconventional façade presents varying visual qualities that enhance the building’s integration into its environment, while large windows invite nature inside, fostering a calming atmosphere that aligns with the retreat's purpose.

The architectural plan thoughtfully integrates communal spaces that serve multiple functions, promoting interaction amongst guests without sacrificing individual comfort. A central gathering area provides the ideal setting for yoga sessions, meditative practices, or informal meals, reinforcing the building’s intended use as a wellness space. The design ensures that guests can partake in shared activities while still enjoying their private moments.

Another notable aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The green roof is equipped with solar panels, highlighting the project's intention to achieve energy self-sufficiency while maintaining low operational costs. The choice of natural materials further minimizes environmental impact, presenting a strong case for eco-conscious design in contemporary architecture.

Accessibility has been carefully considered within the layout, with features that ensure ease of movement for all potential guests, including those with mobility challenges. Each unit maintains a balance of space and privacy, with thoughtful placements of communal and private spaces rooted in user experience.

The "Levitating Duplex" Yoga Guest House stands as a testament to modern architectural practices that prioritize ecological integrity alongside user-centric design. For those interested in exploring this project further, I encourage you to review the architectural plans, sections, and ideas presented to gain a more in-depth understanding of the design's thoughtful execution. This project not only serves as a refuge for personal peace, but also exemplifies how architecture can harmoniously coexist with nature while addressing contemporary needs.
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 #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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