Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Spiral Cabin with Inclined Roof and Natural Spruce Integration

Authors:
Konstantinos Paloubis, Chrisanthi Karta
Spiral Cabin with Inclined Roof and Natural Spruce Integration

Project in-detail

The cabin’s spiral form and inclined roof amplify views of the surrounding forest while integrating natural spruce materials, creating a tranquil retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral shape enhances spiritual engagement through movement.
02
One-way inclined roof provides expanded forest views.
03
Atrium arrangement optimizes natural light throughout the cabin.
04
Elevated design minimizes environmental impact on the terrain.
05
Primary materials include spruce wood and glass for sustainability.

The architectural design is situated in a forest setting, focusing on ecology and ecotourism. It aims to create a deep connection with nature. The project takes the form of a small cabin that encourages reflection and calmness. At its core is a spiraling design that illustrates a journey of silence and meditation while balancing functionality and spirituality.

Spiral Architectural Form

The spiral shape of the cabin draws people toward a contemplative experience. This design element is not just for show; it signifies a spiritual path. At the center is an atrium that brings in natural light and frames views of the forest. This allows the inside and outside to interact harmoniously, making nature an integral part of daily life.

Spatial Arrangement and Functionality

Three key activities are prioritized in the cabin: eating, meditating, and resting. These functions are placed around the atrium, promoting balance and a sense of community within the space. The layout serves to enrich the experience for occupants, allowing them to fully engage with their surroundings while carrying out their daily routines.

Material Considerations

Sustainability is a central theme in the choice of materials. Spruce wood and glass are used prominently. Spruce not only provides structural strength but also connects the cabin to its natural surroundings. Glass allows light to fill the rooms and creates a visual connection to the forest, so occupants feel as if they are living within nature.

Elevated Integration

The cabin is raised above the ground, adapting to the uneven terrain. This elevation reduces the impact on the landscape. It also gives occupants clear views of the treetops. The inclined roof enhances the experience of being in nature, allowing light and views to come in while maintaining a sense of openness.

A wood stove provides heat, adding comfort while also being energy-efficient. These design details highlight a commitment to both environmental responsibility and the lived experience of those who inhabit the cabin. The design merges functionality with a deep respect for the natural world, creating spaces that encourage reflection and connection.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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