Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Central Atrium Wrapped in Transparent Glass and Reinforced Concrete for Vertical Community Living

Authors:
Sandro Siefert, Tobias Schmidt, To be determined To be determined
Central Atrium Wrapped in Transparent Glass and Reinforced Concrete for Vertical Community Living

Project in-detail

A central atrium harmoniously integrates transparent glass and reinforced concrete, creating a vertical community space that enhances urban living in Frankfurt.
5 key facts about this project
01
The central atrium serves as a unique communal space, enhancing vertical connectivity among residents.
02
A transparent glass facade integrates natural light while minimizing energy consumption through thermal insulation.
03
The design incorporates reinforced concrete to achieve a contemporary aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity.
04
Vertical gardens are strategically placed on various levels, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.
05
Mixed-use spaces are designed to encourage community engagement, blending residential living with public amenities within the tower.
The architectural project under analysis represents a significant advancement in urban living, primarily designed to address the challenges associated with increasing density in metropolitan areas. Positioned in Frankfurt, Germany, this project seeks to harmonize residential needs with community engagement by creating a multifunctional tower that accommodates diverse functions within a single structure. The aim is to maximize the use of limited urban space while fostering a sense of community among residents.

This architectural design boasts a clear focus on functionality and social interaction. By integrating living spaces, communal areas, and public zones into one coherent structure, the project emphasizes the importance of community within the urban fabric. The design is a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional courtyard house, a concept that historically encourages interaction and collective living, adapted now for a vertical urban context.

One of the noteworthy features of this project is the central atrium, which serves as the heart of the tower. This space promotes vertical circulation while acting as a hub for social activity, connecting various levels through thoughtfully designed access points. The atrium is designed to invite natural light and air, creating an engaging environment that encourages residents to interact. The juxtaposition of private residences and shared spaces is a unique aspect of the project that highlights the movement towards more community-oriented living arrangements.

The facade of the building is another important element, crafted to not only define the aesthetic character of the design but also to enhance its functionality. The use of glass is central to this aspect, offering transparency and allowing the interior spaces to visually connect with the exterior environment. This architectural choice creates a sense of openness, breaking down barriers between public and private realms while also optimizing natural light distribution throughout the building. Additionally, the integration of thermal insulation within the facade contributes to the project's energy efficiency, aligning with contemporary sustainability practices.

Materials play a crucial role in conveying the essence of the design. The project employs reinforced concrete for its structural framework, ensuring durability while enabling the creative forms characteristic of modern architecture. Metal elements are integrated into the design, providing structural support and contributing to the contemporary aesthetic. These materials work together to create a balanced approach to modern construction, showcasing both resilience and visual appeal.

In terms of user experience, the project focuses extensively on optimizing living conditions within an urban context. Each residential unit is designed with an emphasis on privacy, while simultaneously promoting a sense of connection among residents. The configuration of units ensures that they benefit from both views and natural light, essential elements that enhance the quality of life.

The architectural design reflects a thoughtful consideration of the surrounding urban environment. It engages with local topography, ensuring that its placement allows for visual connections with the Taunus mountains and the city skyline. These connections are designed to enrich the experience of living in an urban setting, reminding residents of their proximity to both nature and the urban landscape.

Unique design approaches evident throughout this project demonstrate a commitment to addressing contemporary urban challenges. By integrating residential, communal, and public functions, it transforms the conventional understanding of urban housing. The project exemplifies how urban architecture can facilitate community interaction while providing for individual needs.

For a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail. Engaging with elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and innovative architectural designs will further illuminate the thoughtful ideas embedded within this project. The exploration of these materials offers insight into how this design can serve as a model for future urban developments.
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