Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Kinetic Roof and Timber Battens Enhance Connection to Nature

Authors:
Yi yin Saw, Sze Yip Ng
Kinetic Roof and Timber Battens Enhance Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

A solar-powered sliding roof allows for natural light to define spaces while timber battens enhance interior warmth in a vacation home that fosters a deep connection to its island setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
A solar-powered sliding roof adapts to the sun’s position for optimal natural light.
02
Timber battens diffuse sunlight while maintaining privacy in living spaces.
03
Counterweights facilitate easy closure of the roof during nighttime.
04
Morning light gently enters through a small aperture in the bedroom.
05
Large openings in the kitchen enhance air circulation and social interaction.

Solaris Pinnacle is a vacation home located on Rottnest Island that functions without artificial lighting. The design centers on how the home interacts with natural light, encouraging a lifestyle that follows the sun’s path throughout the day. This approach not only supports sustainability but also enhances the user experience by fostering a deep connection with the natural environment.

Kinetic Roof Design

A solar-powered sliding roof is a key feature of Solaris Pinnacle. This roof can move to allow sunlight to enter various spaces inside the home depending on the sun’s position. During the day, the roof opens up, filling the interior with natural light. It changes the ambiance throughout different times of the day, making each moment feel distinct and connected to the rhythm of nature.



Spatial Integration

The design creates an engaging environment, particularly in the bedroom, where the roof's movement reveals the night sky for stargazing. As darkness falls, counterweights help the roof close gradually, ensuring comfort and peace for the occupants. This thoughtful integration of interior and exterior spaces offers a chance to experience both comfort and a sense of being outside while remaining indoors.



Natural Light and Layout

The layout of the home is designed to maximize natural light throughout the entire day. In the morning, soft sunlight filters through a small opening in the bedroom, gently waking the occupants. A long skylight, enhanced by timber battens, helps to soften the light, reinforcing the connection to the outdoor environment and allowing nature to play a role in the daily experience.



Kitchen Environment

The kitchen area features large openings and a glazed ceiling, both of which increase the amount of natural light and air circulation. This setup promotes an inviting atmosphere ideal for cooking and gathering. The kitchen's arrangement encourages interaction among people, leading to a sense of community and warmth while cooking and sharing meals.



Solaris Pinnacle focuses on user comfort and environmental integration. The use of timber battens effectively controls natural light, allowing the atmosphere to feel warm and welcoming. This design responds to the natural surroundings while providing a comfortable living space that connects occupants with their environment.

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