Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rainwater Harvesting Cabin with Cross-Laminated Timber and Rock Wool Insulation

Author:
Martin Eggel
Rainwater Harvesting Cabin with Cross-Laminated Timber and Rock Wool Insulation
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating cross-laminated timber and rock wool insulation, the design facilitates rainwater harvesting while promoting a tranquil environment for meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The circular design eliminates traditional front-back orientation.
02
A central water tank supports rainwater harvesting.
03
Cross-laminated timber provides structural stability and sustainability.
04
Wooden slats offer sun protection and privacy.
05
The meditation cabin connects a conditioned interior with a covered terrace.

The design project focuses on the idea of circularity, which influences both its shape and function. Set in an environment that emphasizes natural surroundings, the building reflects concepts of unity and continuity. The circular form eliminates rigid distinctions like front or back, creating a space that encourages free movement and interaction among users.

Design Concept

This architecture integrates closely with its surroundings. The circular shape helps the building fit well into different geographical contexts, illustrating an essential principle of sustainable design. This adaptability allows it to blend in with the landscape while addressing the specific needs of the site.

Structural Features

The structure is elevated on pillars, adding to its versatility. This elevation helps the design respond well to various terrains and practical needs. It highlights a thoughtful approach to creating a space that balances innovation with functionality.

Interior Configuration

One notable aspect is the meditation cabin, crafted to provide a calm environment. This space features a controlled interior that flows into a covered terrace, linking indoors with the outdoors. A central storage area incorporates a water tank for collecting rainwater, which supports a sustainable approach to managing water resources.

Materials and Sustainability

Cross-laminated timber boards and steel supports form the main structure, combining durability with alignment to sustainability goals. Rock wool is used for insulation, improving energy efficiency, while clay plaster serves as an appealing finish. These material choices emphasize a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while maintaining both functionality and aesthetic value.

Natural light is carefully directed into the meditation cabin through well-placed openings, creating a peaceful interior that encourages moments of reflection and stillness.

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