Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Laminated Glass Shelters with Teflon-Coated Protection for Sustainable Living

Author:
Jarett Messina
Laminated Glass Shelters with Teflon-Coated Protection for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with laminated glass and Teflon-coated panels for enhanced safety, the cabin integrates sustainable living solutions like rainwater collection and a hydroponic garden, serving as a compact refuge in a challenging environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with laminated glass for maximum natural light while enhancing security.
02
Features a metal grate deck specifically designed for rainwater collection.
03
Includes a hydroponic garden to support sustainable food production on-site.
04
Teflon-coated panels provide additional protection against environmental threats.
05
The articulated base allows stable support on various terrains for increased adaptability.

The Crystal Cabin is designed for modern survivalists, situated in a setting that echoes the uncertainties of a post-apocalyptic world. It functions as a compact, self-sufficient home that blends practicality with a sense of comfort. The overall design concept emphasizes security, adaptability, and sustainable living, addressing the requirements of people looking for refuge in a challenging environment.

Materials and Transparency

Laminated glass is used for the walls, allowing natural light to fill the interior while maintaining safety. This choice creates a connection between the inside and outside, helping residents feel aware of their surroundings while remaining protected. Full-height glass doors enhance accessibility and provide easy movement between the living spaces and the deck.



Sustainability Features

The design includes an expansive deck equipped with a metal grate that collects rainwater. This feature exemplifies a focus on resource management, allowing residents to make functional use of natural elements. The inclusion of a hydroponic garden within the cabin supports food production on-site, making it easier to sustain daily needs without relying heavily on outside supplies.



Safety and Durability

Safety is a primary concern in the cabin's design. Teflon-coated exterior panels protect against environmental threats such as falling debris. This robust feature ensures the structure remains solid and secure. Heavy-duty stainless steel forms the main structure, offering long-lasting protection against various conditions.



Functional Organization

Inside, the layout is organized to maximize space and efficiency. Ample storage solutions help keep everything in order, even in a compact environment. This design consideration combines comfort with practicality, resulting in a livable space despite size limitations. Climate control systems are incorporated to manage temperature, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere in different weather conditions.

A key detail is the articulated base designed to provide stability on various terrains. This function enhances the structure's versatility and makes it suitable for unpredictable living situations.

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