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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 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 York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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