Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Translucent Fabrics and Charmed Wood Create Serene Retreat Cabins in Natural Landscape

Author:
Ștefan Șoptelea
Translucent Fabrics and Charmed Wood Create Serene Retreat Cabins in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

With a design that seamlessly integrates translucent fabrics and charmed wood into the landscape, the cabins offer a tranquil retreat focused on wellness and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins incorporate translucent fabrics that filter natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Construction features charmed wood, enhancing durability and tactile warmth in the design.
03
The layout follows a hand-fan motif, encouraging thoughtful movement through the landscape.
04
Dedicated meditation spaces are designed to foster contemplation and connection with nature.
05
Sustainable elements include solar panels and water collection integrated within the roofs.
The Air Cabin project, located in Vale de Moses, is an architectural design that emphasizes the relationship between built structures and the natural environment. It consists of four cabins that serve as retreat spaces, promoting a sense of tranquility and mindfulness. The design aims to address contemporary issues related to personal well-being by creating environments that encourage user interaction with nature.

Each cabin is strategically positioned to optimize views, natural light, and privacy, allowing occupants to experience a seamless connection with their surroundings. The design is rooted in the philosophy that architecture can reinforce emotional and psychological wellness. This is achieved by employing simple yet impactful spatial arrangements that guide the user’s experience.

Exploration of Visibility and Camouflage

A unique characteristic of the Air Cabin project is its exploration of visibility and camouflage in architecture. The concept draws inspiration from natural elements and the idea of subtly blending into the landscape. The use of materials such as charmed wood for facades creates a tactile presence that resonates with its environment, allowing the structures to feel both integrated and distinct. Additionally, translucent fabrics used for curtains contribute to a dynamic facade, changing with the light and preserving a visual connection with the outside.

The project's layout reflects the metaphor of a hand-fan, inviting movement along a designated path. This design choice not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose by leading occupants through a curated experience of the environment. The thoughtful arrangement of cabins promotes interaction while maintaining a secluded atmosphere.

Focus on Sustainability and Functionality

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the Air Cabin project. The incorporation of renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels and water collection systems, highlights the commitment to reducing environmental impact. Inside, the cabins feature dedicated spaces for meditation and therapy, which are designed to foster relaxation and well-being. The beaded wainscot interiors provide a cozy ambiance, complementing the overall theme of promoting a restorative experience.

The strategic use of openings and material choices ensures natural ventilation and light penetration, enhancing the comfort of internal spaces. This focus on functionality, combined with an emphasis on natural materials, makes the Air Cabin a noteworthy example of modern architecture that prioritizes user satisfaction and environmental consciousness.

For further exploration of architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that illustrate the nuances of the Air Cabin project, readers are encouraged to consult the project presentation. This will provide deeper insights into the architectural strategies that define this unique endeavor.
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 16,979 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