Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Reading Retreat Featuring Sustainable Timber and PVC-Coated Fabric in a Circular Design

Authors:
Shu herng Kok, Harith Hashim, Joshua Teh
Reading Retreat Featuring Sustainable Timber and PVC-Coated Fabric in a Circular Design

Project in-detail

Nestled within urban landscapes, this reading retreat combines sustainable timber, PVC-coated polyester walls, and a circular layout to create an inviting space that fosters community engagement and a love for literature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design features a circular layout that enhances social interaction and intimacy among users.
02
Walls constructed from PVC-coated polyester allow for optimal natural light diffusion while maintaining environmental comfort.
03
The project incorporates sustainably sourced timber, emphasizing eco-friendliness in its material selection.
04
Flexible seating areas designed with varying thicknesses of timber panels cater to diverse user needs and preferences.
05
The concept includes a built-in book exchange, fostering community involvement and encouraging a culture of sharing literature.
The E-Nookie Room represents a thoughtful and innovative architectural project designed to create a serene reading environment within urban settings. This architectural piece is rooted in the understanding that literature and reading are essential for personal growth and community engagement. By focusing on the act of reading, the project provides an intimate space that encourages users to immerse themselves in books and literature, aligning with contemporary needs for quiet spaces in busy public areas.

Functionally, the E-Nookie Room serves as a reading retreat, offering an escape from the surrounding urban landscape. Its design is tailored to foster a connection between individuals and their reading, inviting people to unwind and contemplate. The architecture takes cues from traditional nomadic structures while adapting these concepts to a modern context. The circular design promotes inclusivity and interaction, allowing for both solitary reflection and communal sharing, making it an ideal location for book exchanges and literary discussions.

This project features a well-balanced integration of various materials and structural elements. The primary use of sustainably sourced timber conveys warmth and a natural aesthetic, establishing a welcoming environment. The timber is complemented by PVC-coated polyester fabric that forms the walls, providing diffuse light and creating a cozy interior ambiance. The thoughtful choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the overall sensory experience of the space.

The design includes significant features that mark its uniqueness. The circular form of the E-Nookie Room not only minimizes barriers but also creates a harmonious flow for users moving within the space. Seating areas designed with varying thicknesses of timber panels offer comfort and support while allowing for effortless engagement with literature. Moreover, the incorporation of flexible functionalities within the design enables the room to serve diverse purposes beyond reading, including small gatherings and community events.

The architecture emphasizes user interaction and engagement with both books and the environment. The arrangement of seating encourages conversation, while the concept of a book exchange promotes a sense of community involvement. This aspect is essential, as it transforms the reading room from a mere structure into a vibrant hub for learning and social interaction.

The architectural plans and sections provide a clear vision of how the E-Nookie Room fits into its surroundings. These elements showcase the care taken to harmonize the project with natural landscapes, ensuring that it blends seamlessly into various settings, whether it be a public park, neighborhood garden, or educational institution. The visual documentation highlights the precision in the design, emphasizing the thoughtful assembly of materials and spatial relationships.

In terms of design approaches, the E-Nookie Room exemplifies a sensitivity to human scale and spatial needs. The interplay of form, materiality, and function showcases an understanding of how architectural elements can influence user experience. The commitment to creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere speaks to contemporary architectural ideas that prioritize holistic user engagement and environmental integration.

For further insights into this project, including detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and thoughtful architectural designs that illustrate these concepts, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation of the E-Nookie Room. This exploration will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how the project's architecture serves its purpose and embodies the philosophy behind its design.
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