All winners

The Nest

Honorable Mention in Architectural design

The Nest is an off-grid prefabricated retreat perched atop Keats Island, British Columbia, demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform the constraints of a remote site into opportunities for environmental stewardship, innovation, and human well-being. Conceived as a compact three-level residence within a dense evergreen canopy, the project minimizes its footprint while strengthening its connection to the surrounding landscape. With no road access, the site demanded careful logistical and ecological consideration. Mass timber construction eliminated structural steel and reduced concrete foundations, while prefabrication and local sourcing minimized embodied carbon, waste, transport impacts, and site disturbance. Solar power, rainwater harvesting, and high-performance building systems enable comfortable living independent of conventional infrastructure. Beyond performance, The Nest fosters a deeper relationship between people and place. By integrating self-sufficient living into daily life, it encourages awareness of natural resources and demonstrates that sustainability is best experienced rather than concealed. As a replicable model for resilient, low-impact housing in sensitive landscapes, the project illustrates how architecture can educate through experience, creating lasting value for people, place, and environment.

Participant category: Small company (< 10 employees)

Company name: Daria Sheina Studio

Country: Canada

Location: Keats Island, BC, Canada

Edition: 2026

Project status: Realised

Website: https://dariasheina.com/

Photo credits: Andrew Latreille
Photo credits: Andrew Latreille
Photo credits: Andrew Latreille
Photo credits: Andrew Latreille
Photo credits: Andrew Latreille
Photo credits: Andrew Latreille