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 Enhances Compact Living Solutions in Urban Environments

Charred Wood Cladding Enhances Compact Living Solutions in Urban Environments
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing charred wood cladding and efficient modular design, this compact urban dwelling offers a sustainable solution for modern living while fostering community interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood cladding for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural performance.
03
Features a flexible modular design that supports various living configurations.
04
Integrates solar energy systems for sustainable energy use.
05
Encourages community interaction through shared outdoor spaces.

## Overview

Located in Quito, Ecuador, the project addresses the urgent need for affordable housing in a landscape characterized by rising living costs and fragmented urban development. By employing micro-living concepts, the design proposes a 25m² housing solution that maximizes functionality within a limited footprint, while promoting community interaction among residents through shared spaces.

## Spatial Organization

The layout encompasses a total area of 24.7 m², effectively divided into essential living zones including a sleeping area of 11 m², a living room of 13 m², a 5 m² bathroom, a workspace of 11 m², and integrated kitchen and storage details. The arrangement facilitates a fluid transition between various functional areas while maintaining privacy through strategic spatial divisions. This design also features dynamic spaces that can adapt to the needs of occupants. The innovative use of transformable areas allows for a versatile living experience, emphasizing flexibility and accommodating diverse family activities.

The concept also integrates communal areas that enhance social interaction among neighbors, fostering a sense of community essential to urban living. When multiple units are clustered, these shared environments create opportunities for communal engagement, enriching residents' experiences.

## Material Selection

Sustainability and practicality are central to the material choices, which include:

1. **Metallic Roof Cladding**: Offers durability and resilience against adverse weather.
2. **Concrete Flooring**: Provides structural support and ease of maintenance.
3. **Kingspan Troldtekt Acoustic Ceiling Tiles**: Enhance sound insulation for a peaceful indoor environment.
4. **Zip Panels**: Used for wall and ceiling finishes, ensuring aesthetic appeal with efficient installation.
5. **Charred Wood Cladding**: Combines a modern look with resistance to decay and pests.

These materials not only ensure functionality but also reflect an environmentally conscious approach, addressing both architectural integrity and ecological sustainability. Integration of solar energy systems further underscores the design's commitment to sustainability while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
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
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

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
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
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

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