Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Timber Retreat Featuring Circular Skylight and Cross Ventilation

Authors:
Rebeca Rivera-pelayo, Danica Dasmarinas, Alejandro Pinon
Timber Retreat Featuring Circular Skylight and Cross Ventilation
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A circular skylight invites natural light into a timber structure designed for meditation, enhancing the sense of connection with nature through its open layout and cross-ventilation strategies.
5 key facts about this project
01
A circular skylight enhances natural light and fosters an uplifting atmosphere.
02
The design incorporates cross ventilation for improved air quality and comfort.
03
Timber construction blends the cabin seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
04
A dedicated altar area promotes personal reflection within the space.
05
The open layout supports various forms of meditation practices.

The Koru Cabin is an architectural design located in a green landscape in New Zealand, created as a space for meditation and reflection. The project incorporates ideas from transcendental meditation into its design, allowing people to feel connected to nature. The concept draws on the symbolism of the Koru, which represents new life and growth, aiming to create a calming space that encourages introspection.

Spatial Configuration

Inside the Koru Cabin, the layout promotes a peaceful environment tailored for meditation. It features key areas such as a meditation space that encourages deep thought, an altar for personal reflection, and seating that facilitates engagement with the surroundings. The open plan allows for smooth transitions between these spaces, reflecting the natural rhythms of life and supporting various meditative practices.

Natural Light Integration

A key feature of the Koru Cabin is the circular skylight that fills the interior with natural light. This design element acts as a central point in the cabin, drawing the eye upward and connecting the inside with the outside world. As light changes throughout the day, it creates different patterns of shadow, enhancing the experience within the space and adding to its overall atmosphere.

Sustainable Material Use

Timber is the main material used in the construction of the cabin, chosen for its lightness and local sourcing. This choice makes construction easier and reduces environmental impact. Using timber helps the cabin blend into its surroundings, making it feel like a part of the landscape. This decision aligns with the overall theme of respecting nature while providing a functional space for users.

Every aspect of the Koru Cabin works together to create a place where individuals can find peace and connection with their environment. The thoughtful design details, especially the interplay of light and shadow, offer a dynamic yet calming backdrop for reflection and meditation.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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