Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Hexagonal Retreat with Concrete Footings and Natural Wood Elements

Authors:
Francesca Doctolero, Ciara Martins, Yuliya Ivanova, Joshua D'Souza
Hexagonal Retreat with Concrete Footings and Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

With its hexagonal forms reminiscent of tree trunks and integration of concrete footings, the retreat offers a sustainable haven for short stays focused on well-being in a forested landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses hexagonal forms to reflect the natural geometry of tree trunks.
02
Incorporates concrete footings for enhanced structural stability.
03
Features dedicated areas for meditation and well-being activities.
04
Utilizes cross-ventilation for improved indoor air quality.
05
Employs natural materials to promote harmony with the forest environment.

The Silent Cabin project is located in a forested area, designed to offer a retreat that emphasizes the connection between people and nature. The cabin features three hexagonal forms that resemble tree trunks, reflecting a modular design concept that integrates well into the natural setting. Intended for short stays lasting 3 to 5 days, the cabin encourages a balanced lifestyle through thoughtfully arranged spaces that address the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of its users.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on promoting balance by providing areas for various activities, including recreation, relaxation, and dining. Spaces for reading and meditation, combined with facilities for yoga and meals, ensure that occupants have a supportive environment during their stay. This approach allows for a meaningful interaction with nature, encouraging visitors to connect with their surroundings while considering their well-being.



Materials and Structure

The Silent Cabin is built using a wood frame, employing wood studs that rest on concrete footings for structural support. The floors consist of wood planks laid atop joists, linking the interior with the natural elements found outdoors. This choice of materials enhances the building's durability and helps it fit more naturally into its environment.



Environmental Strategies

Several strategies are implemented to enhance energy efficiency and comfort within the cabin. Cross-ventilation is facilitated by the roof design, which allows for natural airflow. Louvers are used to manage passive solar gain and improve temperature control. Long windows ensure maximum daylight enters the cabin, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a pleasant atmosphere inside.



Design Detail

The roof's thermal mass plays a crucial role in heat retention, contributing to the comfort of the space. Moreover, features like rainwater collection support sustainability, reducing reliance on external water sources and minimizing the ecological footprint. The combination of these design elements results in a structure that harmonizes with the natural landscape, reflecting a careful consideration of both form and function.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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