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 Serenity in Opaque Spaces for Mindful Retreats

Author:
Gihad Saleh
Translucent Serenity in Opaque Spaces for Mindful Retreats

Project in-detail

Translucent and opaque materials craft an adaptable space that seamlessly blends sustainability with user-focused design, serving as a tranquil retreat for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent sections enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Solar panels integrated on the roof support energy efficiency.
03
The floor design allows for both elevated and ground-level options.
04
Flexible structure adapts to seasonal temperature changes.
05
Opaque and translucent materials create a dynamic visual interplay.

The design in Latvia engages directly with its environment by creating a space focused on meditation and contemplation. Located in an area known for its high level of human development, it seeks to tackle social and climatic issues relevant to the region. The project aims to provide a sanctuary for practices such as meditation, yoga, and observing nature, fostering a connection between users and their surroundings.

Structural Flexibility

The building responds to significant temperature changes between summer and winter. This understanding shapes the design, which features a flexible framework that can adapt to varying seasonal conditions. By prioritizing flexibility, the structure enhances user comfort and encourages interaction with the environment.

Material Utilization

Different materials serve distinct purposes within the structure. Opaque elements make up the static portions, ensuring strong support. In contrast, the roof integrates solar panels that harness renewable energy to power LED lighting and a heating system in the floor. This approach emphasizes sustainability and reduces the project's impact on the environment.

User Experience

Prioritizing the user experience, the design proposes an elevated floor that allows individuals to sit comfortably while keeping their feet on the ground. As an alternative, there is an option for a level floor that improves accessibility for all. This focus on inclusivity makes the space welcoming and suitable for various forms of reflection and relaxation.

The interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring wood flooring and carefully positioned furnishings like pillows that create a warm atmosphere. The combination of these elements fosters a calm environment, making it ideal for personal and communal practices of mindfulness.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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