Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Resonant Canopy Constructed With Charred Wood and Plywood Panels for Communal Reflection

Authors:
Weronika Plata, Wiktor Stankiewicz
Resonant Canopy Constructed With Charred Wood and Plywood Panels for Communal Reflection

Project in-detail

Constructed using charred wood and plywood panels, the pavilion enhances soundscapes within a forest setting, providing a versatile space for communal interactions and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wood for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the forest.
02
Incorporates modular design elements allowing for flexible configurations based on user needs.
03
Acoustic properties are optimized through geometric shapes that amplify natural sounds.
04
Features a circular layout promoting a sense of community and interaction among visitors.
05
Utilizes sustainably sourced materials to minimize environmental impact and support local forestry.
"The Whispering Shell-ter" is an architectural pavilion designed with a unique focus on sound and its interaction with a natural setting. Located in a forest, this project serves not only as a shelter but as a space for communal gatherings and personal reflection. The structure is characterized by its modular design, allowing flexibility in use while promoting a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

The pavilion features a geodesic dome configuration made up of triangular panels. This shape provides structural stability and adequate acoustic properties, making it an optimal setting for sound exploration. The use of sustainably sourced timber as the primary material enhances the ecological integrity of the project while offering warmth and aesthetic appeal. Plywood panels are incorporated for their lightweight nature, permitting easier assembly and disassembly. Dowel joints connect various elements within the structure, fostering a traditional building technique that is both efficient and easily maintainable.

Unique Acoustic Design Considerations

One of the standout elements of "The Whispering Shell-ter" is its acoustic design. Each structural component has been meticulously crafted to enhance sound quality within the pavilion. The geometry of the panels allows for the amplification of natural sounds, inviting users to engage in an auditory experience that highlights the forest environment. This approach creates a space that encourages dialogue and interaction, while also allowing for moments of solitude.

Additionally, the modular nature of the design means that various configurations can be achieved to adapt to different user needs. This flexibility not only serves immediate functional requirements but also supports sustainability by enabling the repurposing of materials.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The interior layout of "The Whispering Shell-ter" emphasizes social engagement and personal space through its circular arrangement of modules. This configuration fosters a sense of community among users while also creating intimate nooks for solitary contemplation. The distribution of space is designed for versatile use, accommodating both large gatherings and smaller group activities. Interior elements, including built-in seating and storage, integrate seamlessly with the overall architectural scheme, enhancing utility without detracting from the minimalist aesthetic.

The structure’s relationship with its site is also vital to its functionality. Positioned among the trees, the pavilion draws visitors into the natural environment, inviting them to interact with both architecture and nature. The careful attention to location ensures that the pavilion not only fulfills practical purposes but also enhances the overall user experience.

For more detailed insights, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation further. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural strategies and considerations that underpin "The Whispering Shell-ter."
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 17,249 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