Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Biodegradable Composite Forms Embrace Natural Light Within Organic Living Spaces

Authors:
Park Eugean , Dongkeum Hong, Yeonseo Park
Biodegradable Composite Forms Embrace Natural Light Within Organic Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Characterized by its use of biodegradable composite materials and fluid spatial configurations, the design effectively captures natural light to create a harmonious residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes biodegradable composite materials for sustainability Features a unique bent A-frame design enhancing spatial dynamics Incorporates thermal mass principles for energy efficiency Integrates a central courtyard for improved natural ventilation Employs textured surfaces that mimic local geological formations.

# Analytical Report: "The Home of Shadows"

## Overview
"The Home of Shadows" is situated in an arid landscape characterized by its unique topography and climate, allowing for a purposeful exploration of natural light as a primary illumination source within interior spaces. The design leverages the site's environmental conditions to create a microclimate supportive of habitation, orienting the architectural elements to optimize solar gain while minimizing heat loss. This approach reflects a commitment to sustainability and the harmonious interaction between occupants and their surroundings.

## Spatial Strategy
A fundamental aspect of the design is the innovative manipulation of light, deeply integrated into the spatial layout. The arrangement of internal areas follows an organic, non-linear configuration that encourages exploration and immersive interactions with daylight from various angles. Key spaces, such as the bedroom, office, living room, dining room, and central courtyard, are purposefully shaped to enhance their functionality while responding to specific light requirements. Each area features varying heights and openings to accommodate its intended use, fostering a dynamic atmosphere that can adapt to the behavior and needs of its occupants.

## Materiality and Construction Technique
The project employs a modern construction technique utilizing 3D printing, which enables the creation of a textured exterior reflecting the surrounding landscape's natural formations. The materials selected—including biodegradable composites, clay, glass, natural stone, and wood—support environmental sustainability while enhancing aesthetic and functional qualities. Biodegradable composites are utilized to minimize ecological impact, while clay provides thermal mass and ties the structure to local resources. The inclusion of glass facilitates natural light penetration, promoting transparency and connectivity with the exterior environment.

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