Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Natural Stone Integration With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels For a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Fan Xue, Jian Meng, Xu Wang
Natural Stone Integration With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels For a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Embracing the natural topography, the design showcases a seamless blend of cross-laminated timber panels and natural stone, creating a serene space dedicated to yoga and community wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Design incorporates a sloped terrain adaptation to enhance accessibility while preserving the landscape's integrity.
02
Innovative use of charred wooden shingles promotes fire resistance and aesthetic depth.
03
Panoramic glass walls create continuous visual connections to the surrounding forest, enriching the indoor experience.
04
Dedicated outdoor zen gardens are integrated at each level, fostering tranquil spaces for reflection and meditation.
05
A greywater recycling system supports sustainable water management, further aligning with environmental sensitivity.
Serene Place is an architectural design project situated on a sloped mountainside, reflecting a thoughtful integration of nature and built environment. The project represents a holistic approach to wellness and community interaction, offering spaces designed for mindfulness and relaxation. By leveraging the site’s natural topography, the architecture seamlessly blends into the landscape, creating a harmonious environment that encourages its inhabitants to engage with the surrounding natural beauty.

In terms of function, Serene Place serves multiple purposes: it provides spaces for yoga and mindfulness practices, community gatherings, and individual reflection. The building is organized across three distinct levels, each tailored to different activities. The strategic arrangement of these levels enhances the user experience, allowing for a natural flow of movement. Central to the design is a staircase that connects the floors while pathways encourage exploration and interaction with both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Important elements of the design include the choice of materials and their integration with the landscape. Natural stone is used extensively for walls and partitions, providing durability and a sense of permanence. This material choice helps the structure harmonize with its environment while maintaining a feeling of solidity. Concrete is employed for structural elements, ensuring robustness and adding to the overall aesthetic coherence. The use of timber in flooring and interior details introduces warmth, contributing to the inviting atmosphere that the project seeks to create. Large expanses of glass are strategically placed throughout the design to create visual connections with the exterior, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

Another defining aspect of Serene Place is its consideration of the local ecosystem. The landscaping employs native plant species that support local biodiversity while minimizing the ecological footprint. Sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater systems, further underline the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Each outdoor space, including terraces and zen gardens, encourages users to step outside and interact with nature, promoting a sense of calm and reflection.

The unique design approaches taken in this project are evident in how the architecture adapts to the landscape. Instead of altering the site to fit a pre-defined building form, the design respects and embraces the natural contours of the slope. This adaptive quality not only enhances accessibility but also creates a dynamic spatial experience as users move through the varying elevations. The incorporation of tranquility zones, with reflective pools and quiet gardens, provides areas of retreat, reinforcing the project's focus on mental well-being and community interaction.

In summary, Serene Place exemplifies a project that thoughtfully addresses the merging of architecture and nature, providing a multifunctional space that encourages mindfulness and community engagement. Its design strategies offer valuable insights into contemporary architectural practices that prioritize sustainability and user experience. For those interested in further exploring the intricate details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, it is encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of Serene Place.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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