Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

3D-Printed Clay Blocks and Vertical Gardens Inhabiting a Flexible Family Home

Authors:
Pyaezone Aungsoe , Lim Boon Hau , Yucheng Zeng
3D-Printed Clay Blocks and Vertical Gardens Inhabiting a Flexible Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing 3D-printed clay blocks and integrating vertical gardens, the design creates a flexible residential space that adapts to the changing needs of a multigenerational family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed clay blocks for enhanced thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens for improved air quality and aesthetics.
03
Features a flexible layout allowing for future expansion of living spaces.
04
Designed with dedicated guest quarters separate from family areas.
05
Central courtyard enhances natural ventilation and daylight penetration.

## Overview
[House(house)] is situated in a region characterized by hot climates and represents an innovative approach to contemporary residential design. The project's intent is to enhance adaptability and address the evolving needs of its inhabitants through expandable living spaces, efficient functionality, and sustainable practices. This design emphasizes the importance of creating a home that can evolve with the family structure while maintaining aesthetic and environmental integrity.

## Expandability and Spatial Strategy
The design incorporates a robust concept of expandability, allowing for flexible adaptation to changing household needs. This is achieved through a layout that supports the addition of units, such as extra bedrooms and communal areas, without compromising the original structure. The organization of space promotes multigenerational living, a common cultural practice, by integrating private and communal zones. The central courtyard functions as a key feature promoting airflow and interaction within the residence, ensuring a dynamic and versatile living environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Key material choices enhance both the functional aspects and visual appeal of the design. The façade utilizes 3D-printed clay blocks, which provide structural integrity and facilitate natural cooling and ventilation. Glass elements are strategically incorporated to maximize natural light and create a connection to the surrounding landscape. Interior spaces feature wood finishes for warmth, while concrete serves as a foundational material. The project further integrates vertical hydroponic gardens, exemplifying a commitment to sustainability by improving air quality and enhancing energy efficiency through natural cooling mechanisms. The incorporation of hydroponic systems for water management reflects an innovative approach to resource utilization in residential architecture.

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