Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Stone-Walled Rest Stops Combining Solar Energy with Natural Elements

Authors:
Matthew Moran, Daniel Rojas, Ali Aslam, Ted Hammer
Stone-Walled Rest Stops Combining Solar Energy with Natural Elements

Project in-detail

Constructed with a prominent stone wall and powered by solar energy, these cabins offer sustainable resting points along the EuroVelo 6 route, blending seamlessly into their natural surroundings while meeting the diverse needs of travelers.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a prominent stone wall that serves as a structural and navigational element.
02
Cabins are equipped with solar panels for self-sufficient energy use.
03
Natural light is maximized through expansive curtain walls on the east facade.
04
Each cabin includes a logbook for travelers to document their experiences.
05
Local materials are used to ensure contextual relevance in different regions along the route.

The European Velo Stops project focuses on providing well-designed resting places for travelers along the EuroVelo 6 route. Set against varied landscapes, these cabins serve as both functional stops and markers for navigation. The design centers around a stone wall, which not only gives the structure stability but also connects it to the local surroundings. The project emphasizes usability, environmental responsibility, and adaptability in meeting the needs of different users.

Structural Elements

A central feature of the design is the stone wall, which acts as both a foundation and a guiding marker for travelers. This wall integrates into the landscape and helps create inviting spaces for rest. The flexible design allows for various configurations, from simple stops that provide information to more developed cabins that offer extensive resting areas. This versatility enhances the experience for cyclists and hikers alike.

Sustainability Features

The focus on sustainability is evident throughout the design. Each cabin is equipped with solar panels to generate energy, reducing the need for traditional power sources. The large windows on the east side permit abundant natural light to fill the interior, creating a bright atmosphere while improving energy efficiency. This design choice also establishes a strong connection between the inside spaces and the natural environment outside, allowing for a pleasant user experience.

Local Context and Materiality

The project values local resources by using materials sourced from the surrounding area. This practice supports regional craftsmanship and ensures that each cabin reflects its own unique context. By considering local architecture, the cabins maintain their own distinct styles while contributing to the overall network along the EuroVelo 6 route. This attention to materiality promotes a sense of place and belonging.

User Experience and Community Interaction

Cabins are designed to foster interactions among users, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those traveling the route. Features like logbooks allow visitors to share stories, enhancing community spirit. These elements encourage a sense of connection, making it more than just a stopover. By focusing on user experience, the design aims to enrich the journey for everyone passing through.

Sunlight filters through large windows, creating patterns on the interior walls, highlighting simple yet functional spaces and drawing attention to the relationship between the cabin and its surroundings. This careful design consideration brings the beauty of the landscape into the everyday experience of travelers.

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