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 Facades and Natural Wood Harmony in a Forest Meditation Space

Authors:
Alessio Petecchia, Andrea Bianchi
Reflective Facades and Natural Wood Harmony in a Forest Meditation Space

Project in-detail

A netted membrane captures light and warmth while mirrored facades reflect the surrounding trees, creating a harmonious meditation cabin that invites deep connection with the forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Netted membrane allows for natural light filtration and temperature regulation.
02
Multifaceted mirrored facades enhance camouflage within the forest landscape.
03
Irregular internal heights create a dynamic relationship with the central tree trunk.
04
Dedicated zones for sleeping, living, and meditation optimize user experience.
05
Double-panel construction provides structural rigidity while accommodating systems.

The Hive is a meditation cabin designed to fit within a forested area, creating a quiet space for reflection and mindfulness. Its architecture encourages a strong connection with nature while meeting the needs of meditation and rest. Positioned among trees, the Hive respects the landscape by maintaining natural pathways and features, minimizing any impact on the environment.

Architectural Inspiration

The design takes inspiration from the form of a beehive, featuring multifaceted and mirrored surfaces that reflect the surrounding vegetation. This choice helps the Hive blend into its natural setting, allowing the structure to change visually with the light and seasons. The surfaces create a dialogue with the environment, enhancing the user’s experience as they engage with the space.

Functional Layout

The layout of the Hive is carefully planned to support the different activities of meditation. It includes distinct areas for sleeping, living, systems, and meditation. Each zone is organized to ensure both accessibility and privacy, fostering an environment suitable for reflection. The vertical elements of the design encourage a sense of openness that connects the interior with the landscape outside.

Netted Membrane

At the top of the Hive is a netted membrane that captures heat and filters sunlight. This feature enhances comfort while creating a sense of intimacy with the sky above. Users are encouraged to feel surrounded by the natural world, which is essential for the meditative practice. The netting offers a light and airy feel, blending the interior with the tree canopy.

Material Selection

Materials chosen for the Hive include mirrors, wood, and stone wool. Each material is selected for its practical and aesthetic roles. Mirrors help with camouflage in the forest and reflect changing surroundings. Wood adds warmth to the interior, while stone wool provides insulation to maintain a suitable environment for meditation at various temperatures.

The combination of thoughtful design and careful material choices results in a structure that invites users to connect deeply with nature. It represents a refined approach to creating mindful spaces 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