Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Pentagon-Inspired Healing Space Featuring Warm Materials and Integrated Land Elements

Authors:
Maya Ward-karet, Lacy Pinyot
Pentagon-Inspired Healing Space Featuring Warm Materials and Integrated Land Elements

Project in-detail

Designed with a pentagonal layout and incorporating warmer, heavier materials, this therapeutic space emphasizes a deep connection to nature while facilitating wellness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pentagon shape reflects principles of Sacred Geometry for balance and harmony.
02
Therapeutic spaces integrate sliding wall panels to minimize distraction.
03
Design maximizes natural views and airflow through careful spatial arrangement.
04
Entrance features a nearly enclosed porch that transitions users into tranquility.
05
Built-in plantings enhance the connection between interior spaces and nature.

Hygeia 540 is located in a tranquil landscape, designed as a space focused on health and well-being. The project draws heavily from the ideas of Sacred Geometry, particularly using the pentagon as its central shape. This geometric form signifies concepts like balance and harmony within the universe. The design intends to foster an atmosphere for healing and contemplation, encouraging a strong connection between individuals and their natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Hygeia 540 is thoughtfully arranged to provide comfort and ease of movement. Utility spaces are thoughtfully positioned on one side, while open porches extend on the opposite side, promoting functionality and individual privacy. This arrangement allows multiple structures to coexist closely without intruding on each other. The floor plan can be easily mirrored or rotated to adapt to different site conditions, enhancing the potential for natural views and airflow.

Therapeutic Environment

Upon entering, clients find themselves in an almost enclosed porch that acts as a buffer, helping them shift their focus from the outside world. After passing through large double doors, they step into a calming therapy room directed toward a central wood stove and surrounded by views of the landscape. This orientation cultivates a relationship with nature, a key aspect of the therapeutic experience.

Material Considerations

While specific materials are not extensively discussed, the design implies a careful selection that enhances the experience for users. The entrance features warmer, heavier materials, which provide a sense of stability and comfort. In contrast, lighter and more transparent materials further inside invite in natural light and connect the space with the outside environment.

Client Interaction

The design includes practical elements that improve the client experience. A sliding wall panel discreetly hides the practitioner’s tools, allowing clients to focus solely on their healing sessions. After their treatments, clients can take their time to relax in the space before gradually making their way to the rear porch. This area features expansive views and integrated plantings, creating a smooth transition between the indoor environment and the natural landscape.

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