Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Wood Cladding and Fiber Cement Panels in a Sustainable Micro Home Assembly

Charred Wood Cladding and Fiber Cement Panels in a Sustainable Micro Home Assembly
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing charred wood cladding and fiber cement panels, this micro home exemplifies sustainable construction through a DIY assembly process, creating a functional living space that fosters community engagement and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and fire safety.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels, providing structural strength and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing natural light and ventilation.
04
Designed for DIY assembly, promoting community involvement in the construction process.
05
Includes integrated rainwater collection and greywater recycling systems for sustainability.

### Project Overview

The "Rooted" DIY kit represents a micro home initiative aimed at fostering a connection with nature while enabling individuals to partake in the construction of their living spaces. Situated in diverse environments, the project seeks to blend innovative technology with traditional craftsmanship, promoting sustainable living and community engagement. By encouraging users to build their own homes, it instills a sense of ownership and collective involvement in the process.

### Architectural Form and Material Considerations

The design reflects a modern interpretation of conventional architectural forms, characterized by a pitched roof that aligns with traditional cabin aesthetics. This configuration not only integrates with the surrounding landscape but optimizes water runoff management through its roofing materials, including canvas and shingles.

The project's material palette emphasizes sustainability, featuring sustainably sourced timber, fiber cement panels for durable cladding, and canvas for the lightweight roof. Concrete serves as the foundation, ensuring structural integrity and resilience. This thoughtful selection highlights a commitment to durability and ecological responsibility.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

Internally, the layout prioritizes functionality and flexibility, accommodating essential living areas while maximizing spatial efficiency. The built-in seating serves a dual purpose as storage, enhancing the livability of the space. An open-plan kitchen facilitates social interaction, acting as a central gathering area, while the sleeping quarters are designed for privacy, promoting a peaceful environment.

Natural light and ventilation are key components of the design, with strategically placed windows and skylights enhancing the indoor environment. This approach fosters a seamless connection to the outdoors, allowing residents to experience the surrounding ecosystem.

### Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The project incorporates renewable energy solutions, including photovoltaic solar panels, which support on-site energy generation and reduce dependence on external sources. Water management systems facilitate sustainable practices through rainwater collection and greywater recycling, addressing both water conservation and management needs.

Passive cooling strategies contribute to temperature regulation within the home, reinforcing the commitment to ecological efficiency. Overall, the design reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainability, addressing both environmental and community-focused aspects of modern living.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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