Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Woven Stone and Straw Structures Crafted for Spiritual Reflection in a Serene Landscape

Author:
Alessandro Pupillo
Woven Stone and Straw Structures Crafted for Spiritual Reflection in a Serene Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted with woven stone and straw panels, this retreat seamlessly integrates into the Latvian landscape, providing a tranquil space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with woven stone and straw, the structures offer enhanced thermal performance and sustainability.
02
The design features a Meditation Path that utilizes natural topography to guide reflective journeys.
03
A central Spiritual Tower serves as both a visual landmark and a symbol of mindfulness.
04
Underwater passages integrate soundscapes from flowing water, enhancing sensory experiences.
05
Communal spaces are intentionally designed to foster interaction, promoting a sense of community among visitors.

### Project Overview
Located in Latvia near the historical Turaida Castle, the "Transitions" project is conceived as a spiritual retreat that fosters a deep connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. The design emphasizes the integration of natural elements, aiming to create spaces conducive to contemplation and rejuvenation while reflecting local cultural themes.

### Architectural Composition & Spatial Organization
The layout includes essential structures such as the Bath House, Meditation Path, Main Hall, and guest accommodations. These buildings feature rounded, flowing forms that echo the contours of the landscape, promoting a transition between indoor and outdoor areas. A prominent element, the Spiritual Tower, serves as a visual focal point within the terrain, embodying the project's intent to enhance spiritual engagement. The design incorporates a Meditation Path that encourages exploration and offers varied experiences of solitude and reflection. Additionally, an underwater passage leading to a dark chamber heightens the sensory journey through soundscapes evoking the presence of water.

### Materiality & Sustainability
The project employs a selection of natural materials to harmonize with its environment. Predominantly featuring wood for framing and interior surfaces, the design ensures warmth and a direct connection to the landscape. Straw panels enhance acoustic comfort in the Main Hall, supporting a sustainable approach to construction. The Spiritual Tower showcases a woven stone finish, mimicking natural forms to add visual interest. Future considerations include the strategic use of glass to facilitate natural light and maximize views of the setting. A strong emphasis on locally sourced and renewable materials aims to minimize the ecological footprint while honoring regional craftsmanship. Each space within "Transitions" is curated to evoke emotional responses, creating a personal journey for visitors aligned with their search for meaning and reflection.

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

`

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