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 Glass Walls and Light Oak Cladding in a Forest Retreat

Author:
Paul Kerlaff
Reflective Glass Walls and Light Oak Cladding in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

A combination of reflective glass walls and light oak cladding creates a tranquil retreat that seamlessly integrates with its forest surroundings, offering a space designed for relaxation and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light oak cladding enhances privacy while blending with the natural environment.
02
Double glazing with Argon gas improves thermal efficiency and interior comfort.
03
Triangular windows provide diverse views and unique sightlines to the forest.
04
A skylight above the bed facilitates stargazing and connection with nature.
05
The design prioritizes a seamless flow between indoor spaces and the outdoor landscape.

The Twisted Cabin is located in Ozolini Retreat, Latvia, and is designed to blend with the natural environment. The building serves as a retreat for relaxation and meditation, emphasizing a close relationship with nature. The design concept focuses on creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing people to enjoy the beauty of the landscape while providing modern comforts.

Materials and Sustainability

Light oak cladding is a key feature of the cabin's exterior. This choice provides privacy and complements the surrounding forest. The oak is expected to change over time, which will help the cabin to become even more integrated with its environment. Using sustainable materials reflects an awareness of environmental impact and responsibility.

Glass and Thermal Efficiency

The cabin's walls are primarily constructed of glass, utilizing a double glazing system filled with Argon gas. This approach improves insulation and helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside. A highly reflective coating on the outer glass creates a mirrored effect that helps the building blend in with its surroundings. This thoughtful design reduces the cabin's visibility in the landscape and minimizes heat gain from sunlight.

Interior Design and Spatial Flow

Inside, the layout is designed for comfort and relaxation. There is ample space for meditation and quiet reflection. Triangular windows are positioned to provide different views of the forest from various angles. A skylight above the bed allows for stargazing at night, encouraging a deeper appreciation of nature. The arrangement of spaces promotes a harmonious flow, seamlessly connecting the indoor environment with the outdoor world.

 
The careful combination of glass and natural materials creates a design that enhances the experience of living in nature. Each detail is considered, resulting in a space where one can fully engage with the beauty of the surrounding 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