Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Sustainable Retreat Featuring Oriented Strand Board and Natural Green Spaces

Authors:
Alina Kalacharova, Polina Belets, Arsen Gabrielyan, Ekaterina Tretyakova
Sustainable Retreat Featuring Oriented Strand Board and Natural Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Using oriented strand board and straw, the design creates a sustainable living environment with integrated communal spaces and private cabins, supporting both social interaction and individual retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a unique Fireplace Concept: Temple for communal gatherings.
02
A boat dock and terrace provide direct access to outdoor leisure activities.
03
Private cabins are seamlessly integrated with communal spaces for enhanced connectivity.
04
Sustainable materials like straw and recycled aluminum are extensively used.
05
The layout emphasizes a balance between social interaction and individual privacy.

The THATCH Plan is designed to integrate communal living with private retreats. Located in a thoughtfully chosen environment, the development accommodates various functions, from leisure areas to individual cabins. The design promotes interaction among people while providing necessary amenities for everyday life, showcasing a practical approach to modern living.

Functional Spaces

The layout includes several communal areas that foster social connections. An Outdoor Cinema and a Dining Room with a Lecture Hall support both relaxation and educational activities, creating a lively atmosphere. Additionally, designated cabin spaces, known as Cabins 1 to 5, offer privacy, allowing individuals to retreat from the communal spaces while still being part of the community.

Material Considerations

Materials are chosen for their functionality and sustainability. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and plywood provide lightweight structural support. The project also incorporates straw and recycled aluminum, reflecting a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Metal decking is utilized for roofing, enhancing durability and helping to manage water effectively.

Energy Strategy

The design includes careful planning for energy needs, assessing how much power is required for both private and shared areas. This includes energy for small cooking zones, hot water systems, and lighting. These calculations ensure that the development operates efficiently while meeting the demands of its users.

Unique Features

Special design elements enhance the experience of the space. A Sauna with a Font and a Boat Dock/Terrace with a Hammock encourage rest and interaction with the natural surroundings. The Fireplace Concept: Temple serves as a social gathering point, facilitating connections among community members. These thoughtful details support both individual well-being and collective engagement, underpinning the overall vision of the THATCH Plan.

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