Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Frosted Glass Retreat Elevated on Slim Stilt Framework

Authors:
Anna Kosichenko, Abiraahmy Nareshkumar, Annabel Lee, Stephan rené Holvik
Frosted Glass Retreat Elevated on Slim Stilt Framework

Project in-detail

A frosted glass meditation box floats above a compact living space elevated on slim stilts, promoting a deep connection with the surrounding landscape while offering a tranquil retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Frosted glass box provides visual and auditory connection to nature.
02
Elevated structure minimizes land disturbance and enhances views.
03
Interior steps serve as both seating and storage solutions.
04
Central fireplace offers heating and cooking options.
05
Water collection system utilizes rainwater for sustainability.

Pitter-Patter is an architectural design that focuses on creating a strong connection between living spaces and the natural environment. Elevated on slender stilts, the rectangular structure includes a floating meditation box that encourages harmony with its surroundings. The overall design highlights the importance of interacting with nature while providing a comfortable and usable space.

Design Layout

The layout of Pitter-Patter has been designed for ease of movement and functionality. A solid, right-angled door provides access to the building, fitting seamlessly into the facade. Once inside, a series of steps wrap around the sleeping and sitting area, allowing for smooth transitions between different spaces. These steps double as seating and storage, making efficient use of the compact interior.

Meditation Space

The focal point of the design is the meditation space, presented as a frosted glass box that seems to float. This feature serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, linking the interior environment with the outside world. The muted transparency of the glass allows gentle light to enter, creating a calming atmosphere while maintaining a sense of privacy. This separation from the living area provides opportunities for quiet reflection and a deeper connection to the landscape.

Materiality and Sustainability

Wood and metal are the primary materials used in the design, chosen for their practical and visual qualities. Wood adds warmth and a natural feel to the structure, which is in line with traditional Latvian architecture. Metal provides necessary support, ensuring the building's durability. Features such as a central fireplace and a sink that collects rainwater underscore the project's focus on sustainability and efficient resource use.

Final Design Detail

An exterior bench located beneath the meditation box invites users to engage with their surroundings. This simple design choice encourages users to pause and appreciate the landscape, enriching their experience of tranquility and balance. Such elements are key to cultivating a meaningful relationship with the environment, allowing for moments of reflection and connection with nature.

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