Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Sustainable retreat featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles nestled in a forested landscape

Authors:
Walid El-turki, Razan Elmrayed, Loay Burwais, Mahmoud Alsherif
Sustainable retreat featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles nestled in a forested landscape

Project in-detail

This architectural retreat seamlessly integrates cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles into a tranquil forest setting, creating a harmonious space designed for relaxation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems integrated within the structure to promote environmental sustainability.
02
Each cabin features expansive glass facades that optimize views while maintaining energy efficiency through advanced glazing technology.
03
Charred wooden shingles are employed not only for aesthetic appeal but also for their fire-resistant properties, enhancing safety.
04
The use of locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels reduces the carbon footprint and supports regional forestry practices.
05
Outdoor terraces and integrated green spaces are designed to encourage outdoor activities, fostering a strong connection between residents and nature.
The project under analysis is an architectural design endeavor that embodies a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the natural environment. This design project represents a thoughtful exploration of how architecture can serve functional needs while promoting mental well-being and environmental sustainability. At its core, the project aims to create a series of cabins that blend seamlessly into the forested landscape, encouraging occupants to engage with their natural surroundings.

The function of this architectural design is multifaceted. Each cabin serves as a retreat that promotes relaxation, meditation, and recreational activities. The layout accommodates both individual and communal experiences, allowing for a variety of uses—from quiet reflection to group gatherings. This duality reflects the project's intention to foster a sense of community while also providing spaces for solitude and introspection.

Important aspects of this project encompass several components that contribute to its overall vision. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on connectivity to nature; large glass windows and sliding doors facilitate a continuous interplay between the interior and the exterior. This blurring of boundaries creates spaces flooded with natural light, enhancing the experience of being in a serene environment.

The choice of materials is another significant detail that defines the architectural approach. The design incorporates locally sourced wood, which imparts warmth and a tactile quality to the interiors. This use of timber complements the natural landscape and aligns with sustainable building practices. Concrete is employed strategically to provide structural integrity, ensuring that the cabins can withstand varying weather conditions while maintaining a simple yet elegant aesthetic.

Unique design features are prevalent throughout the project, illustrating a contemporary interpretation of traditional cabin architecture. The modular design allows for flexibility, accommodating differing site conditions and user preferences. This adaptability not only enhances the functional aspect but also ensures that each cabin can be uniquely tailored to the location and needs of its occupants. Additionally, elements like outdoor terraces and integrated gardens invite residents to engage with nature actively, promoting an outdoor lifestyle that aligns with the project's ethos.

The architectural plans showcase a clear vision focused on maximizing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The layout of each cabin reveals a careful consideration of sightlines and privacy, while architectural sections illustrate how the structure nestles into the landscape. These plans are essential for understanding the project's integration into its environment and the thoughtful arrangement of spaces that prioritize both communal interaction and individual retreat.

Through its design, the project emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and well-being, reinforcing the idea that architecture should be an extension of the natural world rather than an imposition upon it. This philosophy not only enhances the user experience but also resonates with broader ecological considerations, illustrating how thoughtful design can contribute to a more harmonious existence within our environments.

For readers seeking a deeper understanding of this innovative project, it is encouraged to explore the provided architectural plans, sections, designs, and various architectural ideas presented. Engaging with these materials offers valuable insights into the intricacies of the project and the careful thought that underpins its design.
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