Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Textured Rammed Earth and Reflective Gardens in a Multi-Generational Retreat

Authors:
Collette Raine, Wendy Perring, Mina Egbhal
Textured Rammed Earth and Reflective Gardens in a Multi-Generational Retreat

Project in-detail

Textured rammed earth forms the foundation of an innovative multi-generational retreat that seamlessly integrates reflective gardens, promoting a harmonious connection to nature and community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured rammed earth walls enhance thermal performance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Reflective gardens create interactive communal spaces for relaxation and reflection.
03
The layout encourages both personal retreat and communal interaction.
04
Units are designed for varied privacy, catering to different user preferences.
05
Natural light is maximized through a carefully considered orientation and positioning.

Omoide - The Memory Box introduces a design that focuses on multi-generational living while fostering community connections in a virtual space. Created by a female design team, it addresses the need for diverse representation in the metaverse. The concept is based on Wabi-sabi, which values simplicity and a strong relationship with nature, allowing inhabitants to engage with the environment meaningfully.

Spatial Organization

The structure is arranged across three levels, each designed for specific functions, facilitating both shared and private experiences. The ground level includes an entrance and Unit 1, showcasing a reflective garden that transitions from the public realm to personal spaces. This entryway creates a significant boundary, guiding residents into a more intimate environment. A lightweight voile curtain provides a flexible separation between shared and private areas, making it adaptable to varying user needs.

User Experience

Levels two and three house additional individual units. Unit 2 is more enclosed, providing internal views of the landscape, while Unit 3 opens towards the woodland, allowing residents to connect with natural surroundings. This arrangement enhances user experience with options for privacy or engagement, catering to personal preferences. A shared terrace joins these units, encouraging social interactions and serving as a space for relaxation.

Shared Spaces

The top level functions as a shared office area designed for collaborative activities. Located near water, it balances openness with a sense of enclosure, inviting interaction with both the interior and the natural environment. This thoughtful placement allows users to engage with their surroundings while fulfilling functional tasks, creating a blend between work and nature.

Material Consideration

Though material details are limited, the use of textured rammed earth aligns with the design's emphasis on natural connections. This choice reflects Wabi-sabi principles, celebrating the raw beauty of textures and forms. These materials contribute to a tactile experience, promoting a sense of calm and grounding for the inhabitants.

The design showcases an undulating roofline that follows the contours of the landscape, providing a visual connection between built spaces and nature.

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