Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Biophilic Design Integrating Local Stone and Green Roofs in a Circular Community Hub

Authors:
Ares Viscardi, Debora Zaghini
Biophilic Design Integrating Local Stone and Green Roofs in a Circular Community Hub

Project in-detail

Employing a circular layout and natural stone cladding, this community hub integrates a green roof and clerestory windows to create inviting social spaces that connect people with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a circular layout to enhance community interaction and social connectivity.
02
Utilizes locally sourced stone for the exterior cladding, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
03
Features a green roof that supports local biodiversity and rainwater harvesting for irrigation.
04
Employs clerestory windows to optimize natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.
05
Showcases an innovative integration of natural materials, including timber and vegetation, to promote biophilic design principles.
The architectural project under review is a significant development that embodies the principles of sustainability, community engagement, and harmonious integration with its natural environment. Situated in a region characterized by arid conditions, this building stands as a testament to thoughtful design, reflecting the needs of its users while respecting the local landscape.

At its core, the project represents a community hub, designed to foster social interaction and connectivity among its visitors. The structure adopts an organic form, evoking the shape of a water droplet which is both aesthetically pleasing and conceptually meaningful in relation to the region's ecology. The circular arrangement is intentional, encouraging people to gather, share experiences, and cultivate a sense of belonging. This focus on communal spaces highlights the project’s pivotal role as a center for family-oriented gatherings and social activities.

The design employs a variety of materials that enhance both function and beauty. The exterior is clad in local stone, providing a robust and enduring façade that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. This choice not only ensures durability but also pays homage to the geological context of the area. Clerestory windows fitted with energy-efficient glass have been strategically placed throughout the structure, allowing ample natural light to flood the interior while minimizing thermal gain. This thoughtful approach to lighting reduces the reliance on artificial sources, aligning with sustainable architectural practices.

Within the building, wood plays a prominent role, employed in both structural elements and decorative details. Its warmth adds a tactile quality to the spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere for occupants. The inclusion of a green roof is another noteworthy feature, promoting thermal insulation and supporting local flora and fauna, thereby reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This element not only contributes to the aesthetics of the design but also serves practical purposes, such as rainwater harvesting for irrigation, which is essential in a region where water conservation is paramount.

The building’s layout has been designed to promote airflow, utilizing its rounded form to encourage cooling breezes through open spaces. This consideration of climatic conditions enhances comfort for users and showcases a unique approach to environmental responsiveness. The blend of form and function exemplifies how architecture can address both practical needs and aesthetic aspirations effectively.

The architectural project stands out for its carefully considered relationship with the surrounding landscape. Rather than imposing on its setting, it exists in conversation with nature, addressing the environmental challenges posed by the desert climate. Through its sustainable design choices and communal focus, the building establishes itself as a forward-thinking model for future developments in similar contexts.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of this architectural endeavor, examining the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into the project’s layout and innovative concepts. Engaging with these elements will enhance understanding and appreciation for how architecture can thoughtfully intertwine with community needs and environmental considerations.
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 16544 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