Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Spiral Architecture Featuring Sustainable Spruce and Translucent Glass Amidst the Forest

Authors:
Konstantinos Paloubis, Chrisanthi Karta
Spiral Architecture Featuring Sustainable Spruce and Translucent Glass Amidst the Forest

Project in-detail

A spiral structure of sustainable spruce and expansive glass emerges from the forest floor, creating a harmonious retreat that encourages mindfulness and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features an innovative spiral design that symbolizes the journey of life.
02
Constructed primarily from sustainably sourced spruce, highlighting ecological responsibility.
03
The roof is designed to channel rainwater efficiently, enhancing the building’s sustainability.
04
Expansive glass panels provide unobstructed views while promoting natural light throughout the space.
05
Interior spaces are thoughtfully divided to encourage mindfulness and engagement with nature.
The architectural project titled "Dwelling - Thinking - Feeling" represents a thoughtful exploration of modern cabin design nestled in a forested environment. It emphasizes the profound connection between people and nature, encouraging a reflective and peaceful experience for occupants. The design functions as a retreat that facilitates everyday rituals, including eating, meditating, and resting, while simultaneously fostering an immersion in the surrounding landscape.

This project is characterized by its unique architectural approach, which incorporates the concept of spiral movement. This idea symbolizes life's journey through engagement with nature and the self. The layout of the cabin is carefully crafted, focusing on creating distinct zones that enhance the experience of inhabiting the space. Each area within the cabin is designed to reflect specific life moments, allowing for a natural flow between the domestic and the environment outside.

One of the most notable aspects of the design is its commitment to sustainability. The use of locally sourced materials, such as spruce wood, not only aligns the structure with its surroundings but also reinforces a dedication to ecological responsibility. The exterior cladding and internal finishes predominantly feature untreated spruce, treated with colorless veneer to preserve its natural appearance and enable a harmonious dialogue with the forest. Large glass panels pierce the walls, serving as portals that invite natural light and offer views of the landscape, thus dissolving the boundaries between the interior and the exterior.

The architectural design thoughtfully includes sustainable elements such as small solar panels to supplement energy needs, reflecting consideration for the environment and occupants’ well-being. Concrete supports the foundation, providing structural stability while being mindful of environmental impacts.

Each element of the project has been designed with attention to detail. The inclined roof structure is not merely an aesthetic choice; it plays a critical role in channeling rainwater and enhancing the cabin's environmental performance while creating dynamic internal spaces that vary in height and atmosphere. The design promotes cross-ventilation, ensuring a comfortable interior climate throughout the seasons. The interaction between light and shadow becomes an integral part of the daily experience, as the sun's position changes throughout the day, altering the perceptions of space and time within the cabin.

In terms of human experience, the project embodies a phenomenological approach to architecture, which is focused on the sensory and emotional responses of its occupants. The cabin encourages mindfulness and reflection, fostering a deeper connection to nature. This is achieved through its carefully curated spaces that guide the occupants through their daily rituals, encapsulating a lifestyle that values both simplicity and depth.

The innovative handling of space extends beyond functionality; it positions the cabin as an experiential installation that engages with the surrounding land. The geometric forms are purposefully designed to adapt to the rhythms of nature, reminding occupants of the passage of time and the changing seasons.

This project invites exploration and reflection not only in its physical spaces but also in its broader implications for eco-conscious living. The architectural plans and sections reveal the meticulous planning that has gone into every aspect of the design, providing insights into how these elements coalesce to create a cohesive experience.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural ideas and the intricate details of the design, engaging with the project presentation offers an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that define this retreat. The "Dwelling - Thinking - Feeling" project stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to enhance our connection to the natural world, encouraging us to pause, reflect, and engage with our environment meaningfully.
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