Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Gabion Walls and Thatched Roofs in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Rajdeep Raj, Saurabh Kothari, Rashmi Singh, Priya Rathod
Gabion Walls and Thatched Roofs in a Forest Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The use of gabion walls and a thatched roof creates a unique forest retreat that emphasizes passive heating and a strong connection to nature, providing a tranquil space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin is elevated on stilts to enhance air circulation and protect against pests.
02
An inclined Trombe wall maximizes solar heat gain while creating dynamic light patterns.
03
The meditation space features glass walls for an unobstructed view of the forest.
04
A small fireplace in the meditation area integrates traditional tea-making practices.
05
The use of local materials minimizes environmental impact and supports regional aesthetics.

Windows of the Soul is located in a tranquil setting, designed as a retreat that connects its occupants with nature. The cabin emphasizes a relationship between the indoor space and the outside environment. Its concept focuses on sustainability and comfort while maximizing passive heat gain. The overall design encourages an appreciation for the landscape, allowing the natural surroundings to play a significant role in the experience of the cabin.

Trombe Wall Integration
The southern-facing inclined Trombe wall is a key feature of the design, made from a gabion wall topped with glass. This wall increases the amount of sunlight that enters the cabin, enhancing heat accumulation. It also allows for efficient heat dissipation, which creates interesting light patterns inside. This not only serves practical needs but also adds aesthetic value to the living space.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the cabin is divided into two zones: a meditation area and a functional space. The meditation area features glass walls on two sides, creating a connection with the forest outside. There is an oculus above, allowing natural light to fill the space, while a small fireplace below provides warmth. This thoughtful design embraces the idea of meditation as an experience that engages all senses, reinforcing a bond with the natural world.

Functional Efficiency
The functional area includes necessary amenities such as kitchen utilities and a toilet located on the ground level. An elevated bunk bed is also included, making efficient use of space. This layout supports everyday activities without compromising the peaceful atmosphere that defines the cabin. Each element is placed with care to ensure comfort for those who use the space.

Sustainable Material Usage
The project focuses on sustainability through the use of materials sourced locally. Wood and straw are applied within the walls and roof, providing insulation and contributing to efficiency in temperature control. Stone is used in the gabion wall, reflecting an effort to remain environmentally responsible. This careful selection of materials supports the overall goal of connecting the cabin to its ecological setting.

The structure sits on stilts, promoting natural air flow and water drainage around it. The thatched roof slopes toward the northeast, adding to its effectiveness in climate control. The integration of these design details fosters a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while providing a comfortable and functional living space for its inhabitants.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

Media, partners and clients

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