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 with a moss-covered facade and cross-laminated timber construction

Author:
Tomas Villa
Residential retreat with a moss-covered facade and cross-laminated timber construction

Project in-detail

This residential retreat seamlessly integrates a moss-covered facade with cross-laminated timber construction, creating a harmonious dialogue between architecture and the surrounding marshland while promoting biodiversity and accessibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The building's facade is adorned with a living moss layer, enhancing biodiversity and improving thermal insulation.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized not only for structural support but also to create a warm, inviting interior atmosphere.
03
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, providing both a unique aesthetic and enhanced fire resistance.
04
A bent A-frame structure allows for improved natural light penetration while blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
05
Thoughtful placement of accessible ramps promotes inclusivity, ensuring all visitors can fully engage with the space.
This architectural project, known as "The Moss Wall," presents a thoughtfully designed living space that seamlessly bridges the divide between nature and the built environment. By incorporating a number of sustainable design principles, this project aims to foster a deep connection between its users and the surrounding landscape. At its core, the design represents a commitment to environmental harmony and the promotion of biodiversity, facilitating a space where visitors can engage both with the architecture and the natural elements around them.

The project's primary function is to create an inviting environment for personal reflection and exploration, taking advantage of its location to enhance the overall experience. The architecture not only serves as a physical structure but also as a medium for encouraging interaction with the landscape. The building's form is designed to unfold in a manner that mimics the natural undulations of the terrain, creating a visual continuity that is both compelling and intuitive.

In examining the individual components of "The Moss Wall," one can identify a number of important details that contribute to its overall impact. The facade, prominently featuring moss, acts not only as an aesthetic element but also as an ecological one, providing insulation while inviting local flora and fauna into the structure's fold. This living wall clearly illustrates the project's unique approach to integrating natural systems into the architectural design, making it a distinctive feature that sets it apart from conventional buildings.

Additionally, the use of wood throughout the interior and structural elements lends warmth to the space while reinforcing the themes of sustainability and natural materiality. This choice complements the soft textures of the moss, establishing a tactile relationship between the user and the environment. Large glass openings create an interface between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and providing unobstructed views of the encompassing landscape. This element fosters a sense of openness and connectivity, enhancing the project's function as a contemplative space.

Accessibility is another crucial facet of the design, addressed through thoughtful circulation routes that include ramps and wide pathways. This careful planning ensures that all visitors can engage fully with the architecture, reflecting an inclusive philosophy that is integral to the project’s vision.

The architectural design also emphasizes the flow of space, with open areas encouraging gathering and movement. By organizing rooms around a central system that promotes fluidity, the design avoids the pitfalls of traditional compartmentalization. Instead, it offers various vantage points that invite exploration and discovery, allowing occupants to experience the space dynamically.

Throughout this project, the collaboration of different materials serves to reinforce its cohesive identity. The combination of wood, moss, glass, steel, and concrete not only emphasizes a commitment to sustainability but also creates a rich palette that interacts thoughtfully with the surrounding environment. Each material is chosen to enhance specific qualities of the space, whether it's the durability of steel in structural applications, the thermal benefits of moss, or the transparency provided by glass.

The unique design approach evident in "The Moss Wall" underscores a shift towards considering the relationship between architecture and nature. By prioritizing ecological balance and user engagement, the project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can embody principles of sustainability while providing functional and aesthetic value.

For those interested in comprehensively understanding the architectural nuances of "The Moss Wall," further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas is highly encouraged. Engaging with these elements can provide deeper insights into the successful integration of nature and architecture within this remarkable project.
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