Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Openable Façade Cabin Framed with Wood and Glass in a Forested Retreat

Author:
Viktoria Schüle
Openable Façade Cabin Framed with Wood and Glass in a Forested Retreat

Project in-detail

An openable façade crafted from glass and wood creates a seamless blend between indoor comfort and the surrounding forest, providing a tranquil retreat designed for relaxation and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Openable glass façade enhances natural light and views while maintaining privacy.
02
Sliding walls allow for flexible space reconfiguration to suit different activities.
03
Designed with an elevated structure to integrate seamlessly with the forest landscape.
04
Uses locally sourced wood for the main structure, reinforcing ecological sustainability.
05
Central fireplace serves as a communal gathering point within the natural surroundings.

The design of the cabin showcases a thoughtful integration with its natural surroundings, emphasizing a theme of retreat and connection to the environment. Inspired by the imagery of a path through a forest, the cabin reflects the shapes of tree trunks and the delicate quality of fog. These elements create a sense of tranquility, offering a space for relaxation and deeper engagement with nature.

Structural Form and Façade

The cabin features an elevated design supported by a distinct structure. The openable façade enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, while also ensuring privacy from neighboring buildings. This semi-transparent façade allows light to flow into the space, balancing brightness with comfort and a sense of seclusion.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout is divided into five key areas: a corridor, a bathroom, a kitchen, a bedroom with built-in storage, and a relaxation space. This arrangement encourages flexibility, allowing the sliding walls to adapt the space based on the occupants’ needs. The design promotes an easy movement between these areas, making it suitable for various activities.

Materiality and Environment

Materials are chosen with care, emphasizing local sources and natural characteristics. Wood is the primary material used throughout, reinforcing the theme of connection with the surroundings. Aluminum components contribute to the structure's durability while offering a modern touch. Large glass panels enhance natural light and showcase views, deepening the bond between the cabin and the landscape.

Pathway and Lighting

The pathway to the cabin is designed to enhance the experience of being in nature. It guides visitors smoothly from the parking area to the cabin and its surrounding water. A central fireplace brings people together, encouraging social interactions. For lighting, a wooden shell conceals LED fixtures, creating a soft glow that complements the cabin’s warm atmosphere during evenings.

The cabin's openable façade invites not just views, but also the sounds and scents of the natural environment, creating a space where indoor comfort meets the beauty of the outdoors.

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