Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Stained Glass Windows and Charred Wood Elements in a Tranquil Lakeside Retreat

Authors:
Argita Saliaj, Mikael Sarkisyants
Stained Glass Windows and Charred Wood Elements in a Tranquil Lakeside Retreat

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and stained glass windows define a lakeside complex designed to foster artistic creation and community interaction through thoughtfully integrated residential and workshop spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Stained glass elements create dynamic light effects throughout the interior spaces.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for efficient structural integrity and unique spatial experiences.
04
Integrates workshop spaces that adapt to various artistic practices and community needs.
05
Natural gardens surround the complex, promoting biodiversity and user engagement with nature.
The Dacha Complex is an architectural project focused on creating a tranquil environment that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Positioned near a picturesque lake, the design serves as a retreat for artists, emphasizing solitude and community engagement. The complex is comprised of various structures, including residential cabins, workshops, and communal spaces, each meticulously crafted to support creative activities and interactions.

The project represents an exploration of how architecture can foster artistic creation while respecting and enhancing the surrounding ecosystem. It encourages occupants to engage with nature, providing spaces that are conducive to both personal reflection and collaborative work.

Residential Cabins and Communal Areas

The residential cabins are designed to provide comfort and privacy, featuring open floor plans that enhance social interaction among families. Each cabin is connected through carefully planned communal areas, facilitating gatherings without compromising individual space. This layout encourages a sense of community while addressing the need for personal retreat.

Equipped with expansive windows, these cabins maximize natural light and offer captivating views of the lake and its surroundings. The integration of wood and glass as primary materials reinforces the connection to the environment, making the cabins blend naturally within the landscape.

Workshops

The workshops are a cornerstone of the Dacha Complex, designed to support a range of artistic endeavors. These spaces are adaptable and flexible, allowing artists to tailor their environments according to specific needs. Natural light is prioritized, with large openings that not only illuminate the interior but also invite the beauty of the outside world in.

Unique design elements, such as stained glass windows, provide a dynamic interplay of color and light throughout the day, further enriching the creative atmosphere. Carefully positioned to offer easy access to outdoor areas, the workshops encourage a seamless transition between indoor work and engagement with nature.

Integration of Outdoor Spaces

The outdoor spaces of the Dacha Complex enhance the overall experience. Natural gardens and patio areas are designed for relaxation and contemplation, interconnected with communal spaces that foster social interactions. Features such as barbecue decks and outdoor fireplaces promote gatherings, creating a communal spirit among users.

An inner courtyard serves as a central hub, bordered by the residential buildings and featuring a historical well that enhances the narrative of the space. This element not only adds historical context but also encourages occupants to connect with the past while creating new memories.

The Dacha Complex exemplifies an architectural design that balances functionality with a strong connection to its natural context. The project’s unique approach to integrating art, community, and nature provides a valuable framework for future architectural endeavors. For a deeper understanding of its architectural principles and ideas, consider reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs, which detail the thoughtful strategies employed throughout the 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 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