Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Residential Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Cladding

Author:
Takahiro Moriya
Residential Retreat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Cladding

Project in-detail

This residential retreat seamlessly integrates cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles, harmonizing sustainable design with an inviting connection to its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The use of cross-laminated timber panels not only provides structural stability but also enhances insulation efficiency, reducing energy consumption.
02
Charred wooden shingles were selected for their aesthetic appeal and inherent ability to resist weathering and pests, contributing to long-term durability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes interior spatial dynamics, allowing for dynamic living areas while maintaining a compact footprint.
04
Integrated landscape elements promote biodiversity, incorporating native plants that enhance the ecological value of the surrounding environment.
05
Advanced rainwater harvesting systems are designed to collect and reuse water, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.
The project is a thoughtful and well-executed architectural design that serves to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of its environment while addressing the needs of its users. It represents a harmonious blend of form and function, tailored to serve [insert primary function, e.g., residential, commercial, cultural] needs. The architectural design illustrates a clear understanding of context, responding appropriately to its geographical location and surrounding environment.

At the heart of this project is an emphasis on creating spaces that foster community interaction and individual well-being. The building is designed with an open layout that encourages fluid movement throughout the interior, allowing for both communal engagement and private reflection. Key design elements, such as expansive windows, invite natural light and offer unobstructed views of the landscape, while subtle partitions delineate spaces without compromising the overall sense of openness.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in this project’s identity. A judicious selection of materials, including [list specific materials used, e.g., wood, glass, steel, concrete], underscores a commitment to sustainability and durability. These materials not only offer practical advantages, such as energy efficiency and low maintenance, but also contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The use of locally sourced materials further emphasizes the project’s connection to its context, fostering a sense of place and community ownership.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, reflecting innovative thinking that prioritizes user experience. For instance, the integration of green roofs and terraces is not only a response to environmental sustainability but also provides outdoor spaces for relaxation and socialization. This integration of nature enhances the sensory experience of the building, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments and promoting biodiversity.

Incorporating passive design strategies is another hallmark of this project. The orientation of windows and the strategic placement of overhangs minimize solar heat gain while maximizing natural light, directly impacting the building’s energy performance. Ventilation strategies are optimized through thoughtfully positioned openings that promote cross-ventilation, ensuring indoor comfort without excessive reliance on mechanical systems.

The architectural design also anticipates future needs, demonstrating flexibility in its spatial arrangements. Rooms can adapt to varying functions over time, catering to changing demographics and uses within the community. This adaptability is a nuanced response to modern life, acknowledging that the needs of users evolve.

This project stands as an example of how contemporary architecture can respond thoughtfully to the demands of modern living while respecting the natural and built environment. The careful consideration of design elements not only prioritizes functionality but also fosters a connection to place and community. Readers are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and overall design to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas that define this project. By reviewing these elements, one can appreciate the comprehensive approach taken to create a space that is both practical and harmonious with its surroundings.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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