Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Bioswales and Diamond Piers in Compact Microhome Communities

Authors:
Alejandro Marin, Jared Nurnberger
Bioswales and Diamond Piers in Compact Microhome Communities
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Integrating bioswales and diamond piers, the development transforms urban parking lots into sustainable microhome communities that promote efficient living and environmental resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bioswales to manage stormwater and enhance local biodiversity.
02
Constructed on diamond piers to minimize ground impact and allow for natural drainage.
03
Features modular microhomes that fit within the dimensions of standard parking stalls.
04
Incorporates a butterfly roof design for optimal solar panel placement and rainwater collection.
05
Surrounds homes with edible landscaping to promote sustainability and community engagement.

The project focuses on changing underused parking lots into microhome communities, providing solutions to complex housing needs and sustainability issues. Located in urban areas where parking spaces often remain empty, it takes advantage of existing infrastructure. The design concept highlights modularity and flexibility, allowing microhomes to make efficient use of limited space while fostering a strong sense of community.

Modular Design Concept
Each microhome is designed to occupy the combined space of two standard parking stalls. This approach maximizes land use and encourages interaction among residents. The introduction of green spaces, such as bioswales, not only enhances the environment but also helps manage water runoff, supporting biodiversity in the city.

Structural Framework
The microhomes sit on diamond piers, elevating them and reducing impact on the ground below. This foundation supports a system of primary wooden beams and secondary joists, creating a solid structure that ensures stability over time. High-density insulation boards in the floor assembly contribute to overall energy efficiency, and the choice of finished flooring offers both function and style.

Wall Assembly and Interior Features
The walls feature finished wood panels, which enhance the interior atmosphere. A vapor barrier is used to regulate indoor moisture. The construction method employs prefabricated wall modules, enabling faster assembly on-site. Each microhome includes flexible amenities, such as mechanical units and retractable partition walls, allowing for various living arrangements. Moveable furniture, including Murphy beds, maximizes space, making these homes adaptable to different needs.

Sustainable Roofing Solutions
The design incorporates a butterfly roof that facilitates the installation of solar panels and rainwater collection systems. This feature increases natural light and airflow within each unit, contributing to a healthier living environment. Surrounding each home, edible plantings offer fresh produce while adding to the community’s greenery, blending utility with aesthetic appeal.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
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
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 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