Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Foldable Steel Cabins With Panoramic Glass Views Nestled In Nature

Author:
Eedo Zigelboim
Foldable Steel Cabins With Panoramic Glass Views Nestled In Nature

Project in-detail

With foldable steel structures and expansive glass panels designed to harmonize with the surrounding terrain, these cabins provide a unique experience while accommodating visitors in a tranquil natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins feature a foldable skin configuration that allows for rapid assembly and disassembly.
02
Large glass panels are strategically positioned to frame views of the Aurora Borealis, enhancing the immersive experience.
03
The use of galvanized steel ensures durability while maintaining a modern aesthetic in a natural setting.
04
Each cabin type is designed with a specific user need in mind, facilitating a range of accommodations from solo travelers to families.
05
Outdoor communal spaces are integrated into the design, promoting social interaction among guests while preserving privacy.
The Origami Cabins project represents a thoughtful and innovative approach to contemporary architecture, blending modern design principles with the natural environment. Situated near a picturesque lake, this project aims to enhance the user experience while promoting sustainability and community engagement. The cabins themselves are inspired by the art of origami, conveying flexibility, elegance, and functionality. This architectural endeavor not only provides accommodation but also fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the captivating landscape that surrounds them.

Functionally, the Origami Cabins are designed to serve a variety of users, from individual travelers seeking solitude to small groups and families wishing to engage in communal experiences. Each cabin type offers a different scale and ambiance, from intimate single cabins to spacious configurations for larger gatherings. The layout strategically organizes these structures in an arch formation, allowing for both privacy and accessibility. This arrangement ensures that visitors can experience a sense of community while still enjoying personal space.

The architectural details of the cabins reflect a commitment to simplicity and sustainability. The use of large glass panels plays a critical role in achieving a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. These expansive windows not only flood the interiors with natural light but also frame picturesque views of the surrounding scenery, including the enchanting Aurora Borealis. The design invites the natural world inside, allowing guests to feel immersed in their environment while still enjoying the comforts of modern living.

Material choice is another focal point of the project’s design. The cabins utilize galvanized steel sheets for roofing, ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions while contributing to a contemporary aesthetic. Plywood is employed for interior finishes and structural elements, adding warmth to the spaces while remaining lightweight and functional. This selection of materials embodies a practical response to the climate and emphasizes sustainability without compromising style.

In terms of unique design approaches, one of the standout features of the Origami Cabins is their foldable skin configuration. This innovative design allows for ease of assembly and disassembly, enhancing the adaptability of the cabins to seasonal use. This flexibility is further amplified by the incorporation of outdoor spaces, including terraces designed for social interactions and gatherings. These areas enhance the communal aspect of the stay, accommodating up to 40 people, thus fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience in nature.

The marginal footprint of the cabins also speaks to the project’s environmental consciousness. By situating structures carefully within the landscape, the design minimizes disruption to the surrounding ecosystem while maximizing the aesthetic qualities that characterize the site. The careful placement of the structures not only supports a harmonious relationship with nature but also enhances the overall guest experience, inviting exploration and appreciation of the immediate environment.

The Origami Cabins project illustrates how thoughtful architecture can serve as a vehicle for connection, community, and ecological sensitivity. Its harmonious integration with the natural landscape and commitment to user experience set a standard for future architectural endeavors. Readers interested in exploring the specific architectural details, including architectural plans and sections, will find that examining these elements provides deeper insights into the design philosophy and execution of this captivating project. Engaging with the architectural ideas presented in the Origami Cabins will encourage a greater appreciation for how modern architecture can thoughtfully coexist with nature while meeting the needs of its users.
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