Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Pyramid Structure Crafted from Pine and Plywood for Meditation

Authors:
Paola Hagei Higa, Laura Rodenas Saez, Geetika Bhutani, Andrei Rizea
Pyramid Structure Crafted from Pine and Plywood for Meditation
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The elegant pyramidal form rises from a monolithic pine base, utilizing natural light through a central skylight to create a serene space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pyramidal shape enhances natural light penetration.
02
Constructed using sustainably sourced pine and plywood.
03
Features a central skylight for open sky visibility.
04
Designed specifically for meditation and reflection practices.
05
Emphasizes thermal insulation with a sloped roof.

The TENT STRUCTURE features a thoughtful integration of space and cultural elements within a natural context. Serving as a place for meditation and reflection, the design fosters a strong connection between people and their surroundings. The building draws upon Latvia's rich heritage, employing geometry and the play of light to create an engaging experience that links visitors to the landscape.

Design Concept
At the core of the design is the idea of two lines converging at a single point, representing a connection to the sky. This concept is inspired by the Latvian triangle symbol, which holds deep cultural and divine significance. The pyramidal shape rises prominently from a solid base that resembles a tree trunk, creating a visual and conceptual relationship with the environment around it.

Spatial Organization
The structure includes a well-thought-out arrangement of spaces, which facilitates meditation, circulation, and service functions. Each area is clearly defined, allowing for an easy flow of movement throughout the interior. This purposeful layout invites visitors to engage meaningfully with the space, contributing to a calming atmosphere suited for personal reflection.

Materials and Construction
Materials used in the TENT STRUCTURE include protective and waterproofing layers, alongside thermal insulation designed with a slight slope for drainage. Double-pane windows made of tempered glass enhance the building's durability. The external walls are constructed from strips of pine wood and CLT laminated wood, providing both structural support and thermal efficiency. Inside, laminated plywood forms the roof and walls, while other durable wood elements contribute to the overall design.

Natural Light and Atmosphere
A central skylight serves as a key feature, allowing ample natural light to flow into the building. This design choice not only creates a warm and inviting atmosphere but also highlights the interaction between light and shadow throughout the day. The changing light enhances the feeling of calm and connection to nature, inviting users to immerse themselves in the experience.

The architectural form emphasizes simplicity and sustainability. Careful attention has been given to the details, such as the wooden framing and the carefully designed roofline, to create a tranquil space that encourages a slow pace and deep engagement with the environment.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 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