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 Wooden Louvers and Courtyard Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Aleksandar JoksimoviĆ, Jelena Nikolic
Charred Wooden Louvers and Courtyard Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Charred wooden louvers provide a dynamic facade while seamlessly integrating a central courtyard, creating a sustainable living environment that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing an innovative aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a strong, lightweight structural framework.
03
A central courtyard design promotes natural ventilation and light throughout the home.
04
Vertical louvers optimize solar shading while maintaining exterior views.
05
Modular elements allow for future expansion and adaptability to changing needs.

### Project Overview
Located in a natural setting, the House Inside-Out project embodies a modular residential design that harmonizes with its environment. This residence emphasizes sustainable living while fostering community engagement and allowing for future adaptability. The architectural approach focuses on the interplay between constructed spaces and natural elements, facilitating a cohesive living environment.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural layout features segmented pavilions that serve distinct functions while maintaining connections among spaces. Central to the design is a courtyard that promotes interaction and provides natural light throughout the structure, enhancing both circulation and the functionality of communal and private areas. The ground floor is dedicated to social spaces—living, dining, and gathering—organized around the courtyard with extensive glazing and outdoor terraces to facilitate indoor-outdoor connectivity. The first floor accommodates more private areas, such as sleeping quarters and a reading nook, supporting individual privacy while maintaining accessibility to communal spaces below.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and integration with the surrounding landscape. Concrete serves as a structural element, contributing durability and a modern aesthetic. Glass is extensively used to enhance transparency and foster connections with the outdoors. Wood elements introduce warmth, balancing the strong concrete features. Vertical louvers are incorporated for sun shading, allowing for natural ventilation and light control. The design also incorporates renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, and implements water management systems to optimize usage and minimize environmental impact. Green roofs and indoor gardens further enhance biodiversity and create a unique living experience that emphasizes the residents' connection to nature.

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