Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Bioclimatic Greenhouse with Integrated Solar Systems and Cross-Laminated Timber Structure

Bioclimatic Greenhouse with Integrated Solar Systems and Cross-Laminated Timber Structure
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with cross-laminated timber and integrated solar technology, the design incorporates a bioclimatic greenhouse to maximize energy efficiency while serving as a contemporary family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and weather resistance.
03
Incorporates a bioclimatic greenhouse to support year-round food production.
04
Utilizes passive heating and cooling strategies through a solar chimney system.
05
Designed with terraced landscaping to promote ecological integration and biodiversity.

### Overview

Located in a coastal setting, the project emphasizes a contemporary residential design that prioritizes sustainability and a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. By adapting traditional architectural forms to accommodate modern family life, the design aims to balance comfort with ecological responsibility. The structure is organized across multiple levels, fostering both indoor and outdoor living experiences, with an emphasis on light, openness, and accessibility.

### Spatial Organization

**Zoning and Functional Layout**: The project features a thoughtful zoning strategy that delineates private and communal spaces within the residence. The private wing consists of bedrooms, a service room, and a lounge area, ensuring privacy and comfort. In contrast, common areas, including the kitchen, living room, and reception spaces, are designed to enhance social interactions. Key architectural features, such as a solar chimney and a bioclimatic greenhouse, complement functionality while promoting an engaging spatial experience.

**Integration with Nature**: Each section of the home is designed to connect with the outdoors, facilitated by terraces, sliding screens, and an infinity pool that extends living spaces into the landscape. Landscaped terraces enhance the aesthetic quality of the dwelling while contributing positively to its ecological footprint.

### Material Selection

**Sustainable Construction Materials**: The project employs a range of materials that reflect a commitment to both sustainability and modern design principles. Structural elements include durable concrete, extensive glass for maximizing natural light, and steel for enhancing structural integrity.

**Innovative Technologies**: Incorporating advanced green technologies, the project features solar panels for renewable energy generation and hydropanels for water collection. These innovations support a resource-efficient living environment. Additionally, the bioclimatic greenhouse not only promotes sustainable food cultivation but also integrates agricultural practices into the residential setting.

**Natural Finishes**: The use of natural stone in outdoor areas contributes to a serene atmosphere, while wooden elements in terraces and accents provide warmth and support biophilic design principles.

### Design Characteristics

**Energy Efficiency Strategies**: Dedicated systems such as the Canadian Well and solar chimney facilitate natural heating and cooling, supporting a framework of energy efficiency inherent to the design. Passive design strategies optimize thermal comfort throughout the year.

**Water Management Solutions**: The incorporation of rainwater collection and recycling strategies emphasizes efficient water management, positioning the residence as a model of sustainability.

**Community and Aesthetic Integration**: The design language blends modern elements with traditional motifs, resulting in a visually compelling structure that responds to its context. The open layout promotes social interactions, reinforcing connections within the home and with the surrounding landscape.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 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
Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 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
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 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
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

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

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