Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Holistic Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Integrated Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Teik Rong Khoo, Katie Chun Yan Tan
Holistic Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Integrated Natural Landscapes
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels define a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with Kureme's landscape, fostering wellness through its thoughtful design and integration of natural elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique texture and aesthetic.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels allows for rapid construction and reduced environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and improves structural stability.
04
Native vegetation is integrated into the landscaping to support local biodiversity.
05
An on-site vegetable garden promotes self-sustainability and farm-to-table dining experiences.

### Project Overview
Located in the natural landscape of Kureme, Western Latvia, the Village Spa is designed to integrate with its surroundings while promoting sustainability and wellness. The architectural intent is to create a holistic retreat that features various facilities set against the backdrop of the region's natural beauty.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout comprises distinct program areas, including a spa, dining hall, and guest accommodations, thoughtfully arranged to preserve existing trees and landforms. The spa focuses on holistic wellness, utilizing ample glazing to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity and to provide an immersive experience within the landscape. The dining hall is designed with an open-plan concept, strategically positioned to offer views of a nearby pond and foster a cohesive dining atmosphere. Guest quarters prioritize comfort, featuring both private and communal spaces that encourage interaction among visitors.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability informs the choice of materials used throughout the project. Wood is primarily employed for its aesthetic warmth and structural versatility, while glass facades facilitate natural light and a connection to the exterior environment. Metal is utilized in roofing for durability, and stone elements are incorporated into pathways and landscape features to reinforce the relationship with the surrounding nature. Additionally, onsite facilities, such as a vegetable garden and farm barn, enhance self-sufficiency and support educational initiatives regarding sustainable practices, fostering an understanding of the local ecosystem.

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

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
Final registration deadline 23 July 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
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

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 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
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 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

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
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
Final registration deadline 30 September 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