Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Translucent Polycarbonate Retreat Embracing Natural Elements in a Serene Valley

Authors:
Alberto Bruno, Jacopo Consoli, Sergio silvestro Sanfilippo
Translucent Polycarbonate Retreat Embracing Natural Elements in a Serene Valley

Project in-detail

Crafted from translucent polycarbonate and pine wood, the meditation cabin harmonizes with its remote valley setting, offering a unique retreat for introspection and healing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflects principles of human-scale design for enhanced user experience.
02
Incorporates a translucent envelope for natural light and connection to nature.
03
Utilizes a water collection system for sustainable resource management.
04
Features photovoltaic glass for energy efficiency without obstructing views.
05
Sits in a remote valley, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

The Vale de Moses Meditation Cabin is located in an ancient valley, providing a quiet space for meditation and reflection. The design focuses on a strong connection to the natural surroundings, creating an environment that encourages calmness and introspection. The cabin's form is carefully designed to match human scale, avoiding unnecessary bulk, which helps it blend into the landscape. This thoughtful approach promotes a feeling of belonging, inviting occupants to engage with nature.

Concept and Design Philosophy

The design is based on the idea of harmony with nature. The cabin features layers, with a translucent inner envelope that wraps around therapy spaces, maintaining privacy while connecting with the outside. The outer layer is permeable, enabling interaction with the environment. This design shows how architecture can adapt to the seasons, fostering a lasting relationship with the natural world.

Materials and Sustainability

Material choices are essential to the cabin's design, ensuring sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Polycarbonate panels serve as the main material, offering lightness, thermal insulation, and sound protection. Pine wood is used for structural elements, contributing to a natural look while providing strength. These materials work together to create a construction that is both functional and environmentally friendly.

Energy Efficiency and Systems

The cabin employs various energy solutions that align with modern sustainability practices. Photovoltaic glass is incorporated to generate energy without obstructing views of the landscape. A water collection system is also included, allowing for practical use and irrigation. These features emphasize the focus on eco-friendly design.

Light filters through the polycarbonate walls, creating soft shadows and patterns inside. This play of light enhances the meditative experience, connecting the interior with the outside world. The changing sunlight transforms the space, inviting reflection and a deeper sense of peace.

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