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 Pools and Burnt Larch Create a Communal Retreat

Author:
James Hogan
Reflective Pools and Burnt Larch Create a Communal Retreat

Project in-detail

Centered around reflective pools and constructed with burnt larch, the design fosters a communal space that encourages shared experiences and personal contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pools are integrated into the site plan to enhance tranquility and introspection.
02
The use of burnt larch for cladding provides durability and a connection to local materials.
03
Accommodations float above water, promoting a unique interaction with the landscape.
04
Shared dining and kitchen areas are designed to foster community engagement and social interaction.
05
The design references a 13th Century Castle, emphasizing historical context and security.

The design presents a careful blend of built form and natural landscape, with an emphasis on community and sustainability. Located in a unique geographical context, the project aims to create spaces that foster both personal exploration and collective experiences. Central to the idea is the theme of pilgrimage, where architecture serves as a medium for individuals to connect with themselves and their surroundings.

Conceptual Framework
A slipway serves as a central feature, elevating above the natural terrain. This not only acts as a pathway but also as a space for contemplation, reinforcing a connection with nature. The concept of pilgrimage encourages users to partake in a shared journey, fostering interaction and a sense of community among individuals.

Historical Context
The design incorporates elements inspired by historical structures, specifically the defensive features of a 13th Century Castle. By integrating these historical aspects, the design provides a sense of security and refuge while paying tribute to the region's architectural history. Such considerations highlight the importance of safety in communal spaces within contemporary settings.

Architectural Themes
Various architectural themes run through the design, including literalism, abstraction, and symbolism. Literalism reflects the tangible aspects of the structure, while abstraction allows for individual interpretations of form and space. Symbolism connects cultural narratives with the built environment, enriching the overall experience for users.

Design Elements
The site plan includes communal areas, with accommodations that float above reflective pools. This setup creates private spaces for relaxation and introspection. Additional components, such as an exhibition space, a shared dining room, and a communal kitchen, are designed to promote social interaction. Access is facilitated by long, double-sided ramps, reinforcing the focus on community. The arrangement of structures creates a rhythm that unifies the different spaces.

The design features materials such as burnt larch for cladding, thatch for roofing, and stone for structural elements. These choices create a cohesive look that fits well within the surrounding environment. Together, they enhance the relationship between the buildings and their landscape, inviting users to interact within a thoughtfully designed space.

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