Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Biophilic Design Supported by Modular Steel Frames and Eco-Friendly Polycarbonate in a Community-Focused Research Institute

Author:
Daniel Lungu
Biophilic Design Supported by Modular Steel Frames and Eco-Friendly Polycarbonate in a Community-Focused Research Institute

Project in-detail

Modular steel frames and transparent polycarbonate enhance the biophilic design while integrating a green roof system, creating an educational hub that fosters collaboration and research in sustainable construction technologies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular steel frames allow for flexible interior layouts that adapt to various educational activities.
02
Polycarbonate panels provide natural lighting while optimizing energy efficiency.
03
A green roof system integrates vegetation, enhancing insulation and biodiversity.
04
The design incorporates rainwater management features to promote sustainability.
05
Communal spaces are strategically located to encourage collaboration among occupants.

### Overview

Located in [Location], the research institute focuses on advanced construction technologies with an emphasis on sustainable practices and community engagement. The design aims to serve as both a functional space for innovative research and a reflection of the surrounding urban environment, promoting environmental sensitivity through thoughtful architectural choices.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the building is conceived as a flexible "workhub," integrating various functions such as workshops, classrooms, and collaborative spaces. This multifaceted design encourages interaction among users, facilitating creative exchanges across different disciplines. Communal areas are strategically distributed to foster a sense of community while enhancing user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project utilizes a range of materials aligned with its sustainability objectives. Reinforced concrete forms the building's primary structure, ensuring durability, while steel frames provide flexibility and robustness in the roof design. Triangular and hexagonal girders enhance environmental resilience, complemented by polycarbonate panels that allow natural light penetration while minimizing thermal gain. Interior finishes include sustainable timber and recycled steel, promoting a connection to nature and reducing the overall environmental impact. Additionally, features such as green roof systems contribute to insulation and managing rainwater, integrating the structure into its ecological context.

### Design Performance

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the building's design, with integrated systems such as solar panels and wind turbines poised to generate more energy than consumed. The communal spaces are thoughtfully arranged to facilitate interactions and shared learning experiences, reinforcing the project's commitment to collaboration. Through innovative construction methods and material choices, the design minimizes the carbon footprint throughout both construction and operation phases.

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

`

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