Get inspired!

17,363 architecture projects

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

Thatched Roof Retreat Utilizing Timber Frame and Stone Base for Harmonious Living

Author:
Warren Davis
Thatched Roof Retreat Utilizing Timber Frame and Stone Base for Harmonious Living

Project in-detail

A thatched roof and stone base define this retreat, integrating a timber frame with sustainable materials to create a compact sanctuary for contemplative living.
5 key facts about this project
01
A thatched roof enhances thermal insulation while blending seamlessly with the landscape.
02
The cottage incorporates a dry toilet system adjacent to the heat source to optimize comfort.
03
Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings, reducing energy usage.
04
A circular layout fosters interaction while providing private spaces for reflection.
05
Sourcing locally available timber emphasizes sustainability and ecological responsibility.
A Pilgrim's Cottage serves as a contemporary architectural response to the desire for refuge within nature. This project is located in a wooded setting, promoting introspection and a connection to the environment. It embodies minimalist design principles, focusing on simplicity and functional living. The architectural layout accommodates essential living spaces while emphasizing a relationship with the surrounding landscape.

The cottage itself is structured using wood frame construction, featuring board and batten walls that draw on traditional building techniques. The thatched roof is designed for thermal efficiency, leveraging natural insulation properties while merging with the rural aesthetic of the site. A stone base offers stability and weather protection, ensuring durability in outdoor conditions. The selection of materials emphasizes a commitment to sustainability, reflecting a conscientious approach to architectural design.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the key aspects of A Pilgrim's Cottage is its circular design, which facilitates movement and promotes a sense of community among inhabitants. This configuration contrasts with typical rectangular floor plans, creating an environment that fosters interaction while also providing individual spaces of retreat. Important interior details, such as the window seat and hearth wall, are designed to enhance the experience of being present in nature, allowing for maximum natural light and viewlines.

Moreover, the integration of a dry toilet adjacent to the hearth signifies thoughtfulness in utility and human comfort, adhering to minimalist living principles. The design encourages natural ventilation throughout the structure, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and aligning the project with contemporary sustainable building practices. The cottage effectively combines functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that essential amenities coexist harmoniously with a serene living environment.

Interior Layout and Functionality

The interior layout of A Pilgrim's Cottage prioritizes usability within a compact footprint. The configuration integrates multifunctional spaces that adapt to various needs ranging from reflection to communal gatherings. The elevated entryway provides a transitional space, inviting occupants to engage with both the indoor and outdoor environments. Every component of the design addresses practical needs while maintaining the overarching theme of connectedness to nature.

Distinct architectural elements, such as material choice and strategic layout, position A Pilgrim's Cottage as an exemplary model of how modern architecture can harmonize living spaces with their surroundings. The dialogue between the structure and its environment reflects a thoughtful design philosophy, enhancing the user experience while grounding the building in its natural context.

For more detailed insights into A Pilgrim's Cottage, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, explore the project presentation to better understand its innovative architectural ideas.
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 17,363 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