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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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