Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Solar-Powered Retreat with Cubical Forms and Spacious Terrace

Author:
Hsiang-ting Huang
Solar-Powered Retreat with Cubical Forms and Spacious Terrace
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With its self-generating solar panel roof and an overall design that incorporates cubical forms and ample natural light, this retreat offers a tranquil space for a couple seeking relief from urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
A solar panel roof provides energy for nighttime use.
02
Large opening window enhances natural light flow throughout the interior.
03
Cubical forms reflect a blend of freedom and structure.
04
A dedicated terrace offers private outdoor space for relaxation.
05
Multi-level layout creates a sense of spaciousness and connection.

The design titled "A Transitional Place of LIFE" serves as a refuge for a couple seeking relief from the pressures of city life. The project is thoughtfully situated to create a peaceful environment that encourages relaxation and renewal. It addresses the common challenges of modern living by incorporating natural elements into the overall design. The intention is to enhance well-being, both physically and mentally, by providing a space that offers comfort and respite.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of the design features multiple levels, including a loft that adds a sense of spaciousness. A large opening window positioned at the front allows ample natural light to fill the interior, contributing to a bright and welcoming atmosphere. This design element creates a strong link between the inside and outside, making the occupants feel connected to their natural surroundings. A terrace included within the design further extends the living space outdoors, providing a private spot for the couple to enjoy sunlight and fresh air.

Sustainability Features

A notable aspect of the design is the solar panel roof, which includes self-generating panels on both sides. This feature showcases a dedication to sustainability, helping to reduce the building's reliance on conventional energy. By capturing sunlight during the day, the solar panels provide energy to power the interior at night. This approach not only minimizes energy costs but also supports eco-friendly practices.

Conceptual Themes

The design explores the concepts of "Turning" and "Merging" through the use of cubical forms. The contrast between the turned and unturned shapes reflects the balance between the freedom of a vibrant life and the repetition of everyday routines. By merging these forms into a familiar house shape at the center, the design conveys the idea of mental liberation within a structurally defined space.

Functional Layout

The arrangement of spaces includes areas for living, dining, cooking, and working, all designed to meet the couple's daily needs. Each space flows into the next, creating an environment where different activities can coexist harmoniously. The basement adds practical value, offering storage and workstations that enhance the overall functionality of the design.

Natural light dances through the large opening window, creating shifting patterns within the interior. This simple detail enriches the user experience, drawing attention to both the structure and the surrounding landscape.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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