Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Suspended Books and Charred Shingles Create a Unique Literary Sanctuary by the Lake

Authors:
Miriam Lohr, Diana Frank
Suspended Books and Charred Shingles Create a Unique Literary Sanctuary by the Lake

Project in-detail

With suspended books and a facade of charred shingles, this literary sanctuary embraces its lakeside setting by seamlessly blending modern materials with the tranquil environment, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of literature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features a funnel entrance that enhances the transition from the natural environment into the literary space.
02
Suspended books are incorporated into the design, creating a dynamic and engaging visual experience.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used in the facade, providing both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability.
04
Reading caves are designed within the space, offering cozy nooks that promote comfort and solitude for visitors.
05
The project utilizes local softwood, reinforcing sustainability and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
The Cube Verse is an architectural project designed to create an engaging environment centered around reading and storytelling, situated on the shores of Happinger See in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germany. This project embodies the intersection of modern architecture with the serene backdrop of nature, establishing a unique venue dedicated to the exploration of literature. The architectural design emphasizes open spaces, natural light, and a connection to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the fundamental purpose of the structure as a literary sanctuary.

The design represents a commitment to creating a physical environment that promotes imagination and reflection. By merging the building with its natural context, The Cube Verse serves not only as a reading space but also as a gathering point where individuals can immerse themselves in stories and ideas. The overarching goal is to foster a community around literature, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with texts while benefiting from the tranquil setting provided by the lake.

The Cube Verse features a distinctive cube shape that appears to emerge from the water, creating a seamless blend of architecture and nature. The entrance to the building is designed as a welcoming funnel that guides visitors inward, leading them into a thoughtfully curated reading space. This layout is significant as it encourages exploration and interaction between the visitor and the architecture, setting the tone for the experience that follows. Within the structure, various reading zones are arranged to facilitate both individual contemplation and social engagement, reflecting the diverse nature of literary exploration.

The material choices in The Cube Verse are rooted in a sustainable ethos, which is evident throughout the project. The primary structure is composed of untreated regional softwood, promoting local sourcing while creating an inviting atmosphere that harmonizes with the natural environment. For the facade, armored and partially tinted glass is used, allowing for a controlled influx of natural light while minimizing glare and enhancing the reading experience. The careful selection of colors—orange, pink, purple, and red—works to create a vibrant and inspiring environment, encouraging creativity and imagination among visitors.

Inside, the design includes unique features such as the bookshelf, constructed from three-layer panels that provide practical storage while also serving as a dynamic spatial element. This design allows for fluidity within the space, where books can be both organized and displayed, inviting users to explore their content. Moreover, the incorporation of reading caves, cozy nooks adorned with cushions and blankets, offers personalized spaces for visitors to immerse themselves in reading comfortably. Beyond this, the concept of a "book jungle," where books are suspended from steel cables, exemplifies the flexibility and creativity at the heart of this architectural design.

What makes The Cube Verse particularly noteworthy is its innovative approach to integrating architecture with narrative. The physical transitions within the building mirror the transitions one experiences when delving into a story, thus enhancing the thematic aims of the project. By using architecture to create a narrative journey, the project not only serves a functional purpose but also evokes deeper emotional responses from its users.

The Cube Verse invites users to share in the joy of reading and storytelling in a setting that is as much about experience as it is about function. By encouraging readers to explore both the books and the enchanting environment, the project successfully reconciles the need for solitude with the desire for community engagement. As such, The Cube Verse stands as a thoughtful and well-executed architectural endeavor that seamlessly blends literature, nature, and design.

For those interested in delving deeper into this project, it is encourage to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that highlight the intricacies of The Cube Verse and its inspiring approach to literature and community engagement.
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