Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Breathing Towers and Bamboo Veneers in a Sustainable Community Habitat

Author:
Sarah Jarbou
Breathing Towers and Bamboo Veneers in a Sustainable Community Habitat

Project in-detail

Bamboo veneers and passive cooling towers converge to create a sustainable habitat that enhances community living while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo veneers enhance both aesthetics and sustainability within the structure.
02
Passive cooling towers improve interior air quality and reduce energy consumption.
03
Interactive zones are strategically placed to encourage community engagement.
04
AAC panels provide thermal efficiency while minimizing the building's environmental footprint.
05
The design integrates flexible layouts to accommodate changing resident needs.

**Overview**
Located within a context that emphasizes the integration of nature and built environments, the project reflects a holistic and sustainable approach to residential architecture. It aims to create living spaces that honor moral heritage while addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges. The design seeks to balance environmental, social, and psychological aspects, fostering a vibrant community that remains anchored in its roots and contextual awareness.

**Spatial Strategy**
The architectural layout is organized around a steel frame, with prefabricated panels facilitating efficient construction. The interior design employs a grid system, maximizing flexibility and usability to accommodate diverse community needs. Various zones are designated for distinct functions, including formal living areas, communal gardens, and multifunctional workspaces. Shared amenities, such as the adaptable kitchen and communal outdoor spaces, support social interactions while providing privacy options where necessary. This design approach not only enhances visual connectivity and flow but also cultivates an environment conducive to both community engagement and individual comfort.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The project employs a range of sustainable materials that align with its eco-friendly ethos. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) panels serve as the primary load-bearing elements, known for their lightweight and insulative properties. Sandwich panels are utilized for interior walls, chosen for their cost-effectiveness. Bamboo charcoal veneer highlights the interior finishes, combining aesthetic appeal with sustainability. The inclusion of steel mesh structures optimizes water collection and flexibility, while green facades integrate vegetation into the design, supporting cooling and biodiversity. Additionally, innovative features such as rainwater harvesting and district cooling systems are incorporated to ensure minimal environmental impact while promoting energy efficiency. The design elements are further enhanced by the integration of local cultural motifs, such as Arabic calligraphy, contributing to a distinctive architectural identity.

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