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 Shingles and Acoustic Insulation Enhance A Compact Community Living Space

Author:
Inge Paessens
Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Insulation Enhance A Compact Community Living Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles complement the modular design and acoustic insulating features of this compact living space, fostering a sustainable environment tailored for community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Acoustic insulation features reduce noise transfer between living spaces.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes spatial dynamics and visual impact.
05
Flexible furniture solutions adapt to various uses within the compact layout.

### Project Overview

"Birdhouse in Your Soul" represents a contemporary architectural exploration of compact living, adeptly combining functionality with sustainable design principles. This project is intended to provide a versatile living environment that caters to both individual and communal needs while fostering a connection to urban and natural landscapes. Its innovative approach challenges traditional architectural norms, emphasizing minimalism and adaptable spatial configurations.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout features two primary functional units: a living area encompassing kitchen and dining spaces, and a private bathing area designed for acoustic isolation. This intentional arrangement promotes spatial efficiency and fluidity, allowing for a range of activities within a compact footprint. The design facilitates interaction among occupants while ensuring privacy through auditory and visual separation.

Natural light is a critical element, with large openings and strategic placements that enhance both the experience and utility of the space. The architecture incorporates varying elevations to create distinct yet interconnected zones, supporting both individual activities and communal gatherings. Modular elements allow for easy expansion or integration of additional units, promoting flexible living arrangements tailored to user preferences.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette for the Birdhouse aligns with its sustainability objectives, featuring advanced products such as Trodifixt V-line acoustic ceiling tiles and QuadCore LEC insulated roof panels. These selections enhance thermal performance while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the design integrates rainwater harvesting systems and options for solar panel installation, promoting energy efficiency and reducing dependency on external resources.

Overall, the choice of materials and systems underscores a commitment to resource conservation and eco-friendly living, positioning the Birdhouse as a model for future architectural endeavors in compact housing.

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