Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Plexiglass Facades and Sloping Walls in a Sustainable Nature Retreat

Authors:
Paolo Mastronardi, Dalila Santoro
Plexiglass Facades and Sloping Walls in a Sustainable Nature Retreat
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With sloping walls and a transparent plexiglass façade, the design enhances the interaction between interior spaces and the surrounding pine forest, creating a sustainable retreat focused on relaxation and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes golden ratios for pod dimensions.
02
Transparent façade allows for abundant natural light.
03
Sleeping pods can adapt to various terrains.
04
Materials chosen for full recyclability and sustainability.
05
Focused on enhancing user connection to the surrounding nature.

The project in Val de Moses embraces principles of balance and stability found in the practice of Asana. Located among the serene pine forests, the design seeks to create a retreat that promotes psychophysical well-being. It focuses on connecting the structure with nature, encouraging a relationship that enhances the overall experience for its users.

Design Concept

The design process began with careful observation of local building forms, especially cottages featuring pitched roofs and tent-like structures. This analysis informed the dimensions and layouts of the sleeping pods, which were developed using the golden ratios to ensure harmony with their natural setting. The result is a design that aims to fit comfortably into the landscape while offering a peaceful space for relaxation.

Spatial Organization

The layout is thoughtfully arranged, with specific areas designated for relaxation and meditation. These spaces are crafted to enhance mindfulness, featuring clear pathways and functional zones that invite users to engage with both interior and exterior settings. The design prioritizes the user experience, allowing for a strong interaction with the surrounding environment.

Material Selection

Materials play an important role in the construction, emphasizing sustainability and connection to nature. Wood is used as the main structural element and for cladding, lending warmth to the design. The façade incorporates plexiglass to let in natural light, bridging the gap between indoor spaces and the outdoors. Steel is utilized for various carpentry elements, offering structural support, while metal bars enhance stability. Foundations are constructed from durable materials, providing a solid base across different terrains.

Functional Adaptability

A key feature of the sleeping pods is their adaptability, allowing them to be placed on various terrains with foundations designed on poles. This approach offers versatility and the option for relocation if needed. Each pod is crafted to accommodate different landscapes without sacrificing stability or visual appeal.

The sloping walls of the sleeping pods contribute to an engaging visual presence and enhance the overall experience while maintaining a connection with the surrounding nature. These thoughtful design choices reflect a commitment to blending architecture harmoniously with the environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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