Get inspired!

17,399 architecture projects

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

Arching Forms and Natural Shading with Concrete and Wood in a Sustainable Family Home

Authors:
Dian Luo, Xiang Liu, Haining Gu, Guisong Zhang
Arching Forms and Natural Shading with Concrete and Wood in a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

With its distinctive arched forms and the use of concrete alongside wood for natural shading, the residence enhances family connectivity while prioritizing sustainability and adaptability within an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinctive arched volumes enhance natural airflow and light throughout the living spaces.
02
Mashrabiyya screens provide privacy while allowing for ventilation and social interaction.
03
The design incorporates passive solar strategies to reduce energy consumption.
04
Flexible room layouts support evolving family needs and future expansions.
05
Concrete integrates with wood materials to create a balanced aesthetic and thermal efficiency.
The ARCH House is a contemporary residential project located in an urban setting, blending modern architectural practices with traditional influences. This project embodies a functional family home that accommodates evolving lifestyle needs while respecting local cultural contexts. Its design emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural light, and sustainability, integrating significant architectural elements to create a harmonious living environment.

Unique Design Approaches

The ARCH House features distinctive arching volumes, a direct reference to traditional Islamic architecture. These arches serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing the overall experience of the home. The incorporation of Mashrabiyya screens highlights a thoughtful approach to privacy and ventilation, allowing natural airflow and light while providing shaded outdoor spaces. This traditional feature is adapted into a modern context, demonstrating a commitment to cultural continuity and innovation in architectural design.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the project. Concrete is utilized for its structural integrity and thermal properties, contributing to energy efficiency. Expansive glass panels create a dialogue between the interior and exterior, enhancing luminosity and minimizing the barriers between the living spaces and the surrounding environment. Wood elements integrated into the design add warmth and texture, contrasting with the starkness of concrete and glass, while supporting a tactile connection with the natural world.

Spatial Design and Functionality

The organization of space within the ARCH House reflects a deep understanding of family dynamics. Open-plan areas facilitate interaction, while strategically placed private rooms ensure comfortable retreats for family members. The design supports flexible living arrangements, allowing for future modifications without compromising the project's integrity. This adaptability is central to the project, recognizing that family needs may change over time.

Efforts for sustainability are embedded throughout the architectural design. The use of passive solar strategies through elevated windows and cross ventilation promote energy efficiency, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This consideration for the environment not only enhances livability but also aligns with global sustainability goals.

For further insights into the architectural specifics, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of the ARCH House. These elements provide a comprehensive view of the project, showcasing innovative architectural ideas that set this residence apart from others.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 17,399 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