Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Living Roof and Interlocking Beams Support a Hiker's Refuge

Authors:
Valentina Bandera, Davide Corti, Luca Benassai
Living Roof and Interlocking Beams Support a Hiker's Refuge

Project in-detail

Interlocking beech wood beams create a robust structure with a living roof that enhances environmental integration while serving as a functional refuge for hikers along scenic pathways.
5 key facts about this project
01
Beams are joined using a double-joint technique, eliminating the need for metal anchors.
02
A living roof ecosystem enhances insulation and blends with the natural landscape.
03
Colored window panels provide real-time navigation assistance for hikers.
04
The structure can be preassembled and easily transported for local assembly.
05
Interlocking wooden beams reinforce stability while maintaining aesthetic coherence.

The design is set within a natural landscape, focused on improving the experience of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The structure aims to offer practical support along hiking paths while blending into its surroundings. Overall, the design concept highlights a modular and functional approach, allowing for efficient use of space and resources.

Structural System

The project employs solid beech wood beams as the main structural element. These beams are arranged in an overlapping manner to create a strong framework. Beveled edges and double-joint connections allow for a sturdy design without the need for metal anchors or adhesives. This method promotes sustainability, making the structure suitable for preassembly and easy transport, while ensuring durability.

User Navigation

To assist hikers, the design includes colored window panels with tags that indicate various tour types. These panels help users navigate their journey by making important locations clear and easy to find. Changing the colors of these tags enhances wayfinding, helping hikers recognize refuge points quickly on maps and in the surrounding area.

Wall and Roof Construction

Walls and partitions are made from interlocking wooden beams, which contribute to the overall stability of the structure. This construction technique ensures that the design remains visually coherent and durable. The roof features a waterproof layer designed to direct rainwater away from the structure, preventing damage from accumulation.

On the upper layer, special soil of around 11 cm thick supports evergreen vegetation. This living roof adds insulation and helps the structure blend into the landscape, reinforcing a connection between man-made and natural elements. The design deepens the experience of users as they engage with the environment around them.

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