Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reflective Façade and Circular Arc Design in a Natural Retreat

Authors:
Ying Yang, Lu Bao, Sijia Wang
Reflective Façade and Circular Arc Design in a Natural Retreat

Project in-detail

The reflective façade and circular arc form create a harmonious blend with the natural surroundings, providing couples a private retreat that emphasizes connection and outdoor living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective windows shaped like the sun and moon enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.
02
A central outdoor landscape promotes integration with nature for residents.
03
The circular arc form symbolizes inclusivity and connection for couples.
04
Low-reflective concrete floors offer durability while maintaining a soft visual impact.
05
Textured lacquered walls add depth and warmth to the interior environment.

The design integrates human emotions and natural elements, situated in a quiet environment that encourages a connection between the built structure and its surroundings. Focused on themes of love and togetherness, the design aims to create a retreat for couples, emphasizing the significance of unity and harmony. The guiding ideas are inspired by the sun and moon, illustrated through the phrase, "I love three things in this world: sun, moon, and you. The sun for the day, the moon for the night, and you forever."

Conceptual Framework

The design is rooted in the idea of open spaces that foster intimacy and privacy. Arranged thoughtfully, the layout encourages meaningful interactions between couples while engaging with the natural environment. A central feature is the outdoor landscape, acting as a transition area between the inside and outside, supporting outdoor living experiences that relate well to the theme of inclusiveness.

Architectural Form

The building takes on a circular arc shape. This form reflects the ideas of togetherness and connection. It facilitates a relationship between the structure and its surroundings, making it visually appealing. The façade includes reflective features that help it blend with the environment, highlighting the design's intention to work with nature rather than against it.

Interior Design Elements

In the interior spaces, the notion of "less is more" comes into play, creating an atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting. Low-reflective concrete floors form a sturdy base, while lacquered walls with texture add visual warmth. Wood-colored materials create a bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the sense of harmony throughout the design.

Windows shaped like the sun and moon provide views of the atrium garden. This thoughtful detail not only connects the inhabitants to nature but also minimizes feelings of confinement, maximizing the experience of living within the landscape.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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