Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Bio-Luminescent Experience Within Circular Forms at Coastal Villa

Authors:
Jody Lin, Zoya Chaudary
Bio-Luminescent Experience Within Circular Forms at Coastal Villa
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Emphasizing bio-luminescence and fluid circular forms, the villa merges seamlessly with its coastal environment to create a unique residence that fosters a profound connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bio-luminescent algae illuminate the villa at night, enhancing the natural atmosphere.
02
Circular architectural forms reflect the shape of coastal algae, connecting structure to nature.
03
Skylights and brise soleils maximize daylight while minimizing artificial light usage.
04
Strategic placement of living areas allows for uninterrupted views of glowing waters.
05
The design emphasizes sustainability by reducing light pollution and promoting ecological awareness.

The Luciferin Villa is located on a secluded beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico. It addresses the growing issue of light pollution by allowing for clear views of the night sky. The design promotes an atmosphere that encourages stargazing and observing celestial bodies. Natural elements play a crucial role in the villa’s concept, which connects the structure to its coastal surroundings.

Design Developed from Nature

The design is inspired by the bio-luminescent algae found in the waters off Vieques. These algae emit light when oxygen is introduced through water movement. This natural process influenced the villa’s shape and overall structure. The fluid lines reflect the organic forms of the algae, creating a connection to the natural landscape and enhancing the visual appeal of the building.

Utilizing Natural Light

The villa is oriented to make the most of daylight. Large skylights and brise soleils formed by overlapping circular shapes allow sunlight to fill the interior spaces. This design reduces reliance on artificial lighting, providing a bright and welcoming environment. The layout encourages a strong connection between the indoor areas and the outdoor landscape.

Engaging with the Coastal Environment

Positioned along the coast, the villa takes advantage of the unique bio-luminescence at night. Key living areas are strategically placed to offer views of the glowing waters. This invites residents to appreciate the natural beauty just outside. The design fosters a profound appreciation for the surrounding ecosystem and enhances the living experience.

Committing to Sustainability

The approach reflects a dedication to sustainable practices. By minimizing light pollution and optimizing energy use, the villa serves as a practical example of how to incorporate ecological considerations in home design. The design’s organic forms and thoughtful layout create a dialogue between the structure and its environment, highlighting the importance of sustainability in modern living.

Circular forms extend outward from the center, echoing the movement of algae in the water. This visual element strengthens the connection between the villa and its natural setting, creating a unique residential experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

Media, partners and clients

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