Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Structures in a Sustainable Community Framework

Authors:
Shobha Narendran, Guochuan Kwang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Structures in a Sustainable Community Framework

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a grid layout that prioritizes agricultural integration, the design creates a sustainable living environment that fosters community interaction and resilience in the face of urban pressure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features charred wooden shingles as a fire-resistant and aesthetically pleasing exterior finish.
02
Incorporates agricultural plots directly adjoining living spaces to promote food security.
03
Utilizes a modular housing design that allows for adaptability to residents' changing needs.
04
Includes communal gardens designed to encourage social interaction and community bonding.
05
Employs a grid layout that efficiently connects residential areas to shared resources and agricultural land.
The architectural project situated in Feng Ye Zhuang Village near Guangzhou, China, represents a thoughtful reimagining of the relationship between urban and rural settings. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly urbanizing region, this project responds to the challenges faced by local communities as they navigate displacement and the transformation of their environments. The design intricately blends traditional architectural principles with modern requirements, creating a space that fosters agricultural practice, community interaction, and residential living.

The project functions primarily as a residential community that aims to accommodate families while integrating agricultural plots within the living spaces. This approach not only provides basic housing needs but also promotes self-sufficiency and food security. Each housing unit is organized to facilitate access to shared agricultural land, ensuring that residents can engage in farming activities. This design reflects a broader strategy of resilience against urban pressures, allowing inhabitants to maintain their agricultural roots even within a shifting landscape.

The layout of the project features a grid-based arrangement, which is reminiscent of traditional Lingnan architectural styles. This design facilitates movement throughout the community, ensuring that all residences have efficient access to communal gardens and agricultural fields. By emphasizing interconnectedness, the project fosters social interaction among residents, reinforcing the importance of community ties in peri-urban areas. The modular housing units are thoughtfully designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing families to modify their spaces based on their needs. This flexibility is a key element, catering to the evolving dynamics of family structures and lifestyles.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the architectural expression of the project. The use of concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability and longevity. Coupled with glass windows, this material choice allows for abundant natural light to penetrate the spaces, enhancing the living environment. The integration of wood for aesthetic elements adds warmth and a human scale to the buildings, creating a harmonious balance with the more industrial materials. Local materials, such as tiles and bricks, contribute to a sense of place and cultural continuity, grounding the design in the local context while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

One of the unique design approaches is the incorporation of communal spaces that blur the boundary between public and private realms. Shared courtyards and walkways invite residents to engage with one another, fostering a sense of community. In addition, these spaces are multifunctional, allowing for gatherings, informal markets, and social events, further emphasizing the importance of community interaction in this architectural context.

The project also takes into account the economic dynamics prevalent in rural areas by promoting a sustainable model of land use. By incorporating agricultural practices within the residential framework, the design enables economic independence for families. Furthermore, support facilities for agricultural research and development are integrated into the project, providing the community with resources to enhance their farming efficacy and knowledge.

Overall, the architectural design of Feng Ye Zhuang Village represents a significant step toward redefining the notion of living in a peri-urban area. Its emphasis on community, sustainability, and cultural heritage creates a model that not only addresses the immediate needs of its residents but also anticipates future challenges. The thoughtful integration of agricultural land within residential spaces cultivates a balanced cohabitation of urban and rural life. For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this project further, a detailed investigation of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design concepts will provide invaluable insights into the innovative approaches employed in this project.
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