Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth Retreat With Communal Spaces Framed By Local Timber

Authors:
Antoine Bouffard hanss, Sixtine Bodard
Rammed Earth Retreat With Communal Spaces Framed By Local Timber

Project in-detail

Crafted from rammed earth and local timber, the huts integrate natural light and communal spaces to create a serene retreat for poets and artists seeking inspiration in a harmonious rural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal efficiency and natural integration into the landscape.
02
Incorporates communal gathering spaces designed to foster collaboration among residents.
03
Features overhanging roofs that provide shade and enhance indoor-outdoor connections.
04
Employs locally sourced timber to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
05
The layout is designed to harmonize with the topography, creating an intimate retreat experience.
The project titled "Rural Huts: A Place for Poetry" embodies a thoughtful exploration of architecture tailored to stimulate creativity and reflection in a rural setting. This architectural initiative represents a blend of functionality and artistry, nestled within a natural landscape that enhances the living experience. The design serves as a creative retreat for poets and artists, fostering an atmosphere conducive to inspiration through its careful integration with the surroundings.

The primary function of the project is to offer a space that not only provides accommodation but also encourages communal interaction among residents engaged in literary and artistic pursuits. The layout consists of several interconnected huts, each thoughtfully oriented to take advantage of natural light and views, while providing privacy and connection to the outdoors. This configuration reflects the importance of both personal solitude and community engagement, allowing residents to connect with each other in shared spaces designated for discussions and collaboration.

The architectural details reflect a commitment to sustainability and a deep respect for the context in which the project resides. The use of rammed earth as the primary building material exemplifies this ethos, providing excellent insulation properties while ensuring a minimal carbon footprint. This material choice, along with locally sourced wood and strategic glass placement, allows the huts to blend seamlessly into the landscape while optimizing natural light and thermal comfort.

Unique design approaches characterize this project, particularly in its focus on environmental harmony. The roofs, designed with generous overhangs, serve to provide shade and shelter, further enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship that is a central theme of the design. By thoughtfully embedding certain portions of the huts into the earth, the project minimizes its ecological impact while creating a unique spatial experience that feels both intimate and connected to nature.

The emphasis on communal areas within the design is particularly noteworthy. These spaces act as a nexus for social interaction among residents, reinforcing the project's primary goal of fostering a creative community. Whether through shared gardens, gathering spaces, or communal workshops, the layout deliberately encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas.

Aspects such as rainwater harvesting systems and passive ventilation techniques are engineered into the design, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable living. These features not only reduce the environmental footprint but also serve as practical expressions of the architectural ideas at play, showcasing how thoughtful design can enhance daily living while respecting the natural ecosystem.

The architectural presentation provides an insightful look into various components including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that reveal the project’s nuanced approach. Each detail reflects a well-considered strategy to blend aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. By examining these elements, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the thought and care embedded in each phase of the project’s design.

Exploring the full presentation of "Rural Huts: A Place for Poetry" offers a comprehensive understanding of this architectural endeavor. Each aspect, from the unique materiality to the design layout, invites an appreciation of how architecture can serve both functional needs and creative aspirations in a rural context. Readers are encouraged to delve into the accompanying architectural plans and sections for further insights into this thoughtfully conceived project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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