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 Corrugated Metal Frame Elevate Contemporary Living Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles and Corrugated Metal Frame Elevate Contemporary Living Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with charred wooden shingles and dark corrugated metal, the residence harmonizes with its landscape while providing flexible living spaces that prioritize both natural light and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on stilts to minimize site disruption and offer a unique vantage point.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic contrast.
03
Features extensive large windows to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporates a flexible interior layout with movable elements to adapt to various living needs.
05
Implemented a rainwater collection system to support sustainable water management practices.

## Overview

"On the Lookout" is located in a harmonious landscape, where the design prioritizes both contemporary aesthetic and functional living. The intent is to create a home that engages actively with its surroundings while providing a versatile space for daily activities. The architectural strategy emphasizes connectivity to the natural environment, allowing for extensive views and encouraging interaction with the landscape. This approach aligns with the project’s name, which underscores the importance of observation and engagement with the external environment.

### Architectural Composition

**External Features:**

The building exhibits a dynamic geometric form characterized by intersecting volumes and varied rooflines that enhance both visual appeal and the functional quality of interior spaces. The exterior is predominantly clad in dark-hued, corrugated metal, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery. This material choice not only serves aesthetic purposes but also contributes to the structure's durability and UV protection. Large-format windows integrated into the façade facilitate unobstructed views and ample natural light, further strengthening the connection between the interior and exterior.

**Sustainable Design Elements:**

Sustainability is a core consideration in the design. The project includes systems for rainwater collection and greywater recycling, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility. Solar panels are integrated into the energy framework, enhancing the building's energy efficiency and minimizing its carbon footprint. These elements are part of a broader approach aimed at reducing the environmental impact while promoting resource conservation.

### Interior Design

**Material Palette:**

The interior materials are selected for their aesthetic warmth and functional performance. Light-colored wood panels create a welcoming atmosphere, contrasting with the metal exterior. Reinforced concrete is employed for structural and flooring elements, providing durability and a contrasting texture. The use of large-format glass partitions allows for an open layout that ensures privacy without sacrificing light, further enhancing the sense of space.

**Spatial Organization:**

The layout is designed for optimal flow and usability, featuring distinct zones for cooking, dining, and relaxation. This zoning arrangement encourages social interaction, particularly through the open connection between the kitchen and dining area. Additionally, the inclusion of movable or transformable spaces allows for adaptability, catering to diverse lifestyle needs.

Ultimately, "On the Lookout" establishes a dialogue between architecture and nature, employing thoughtful design strategies that enhance user experience and respect the environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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

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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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
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
Advance registration deadline 14 January 2026
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
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
new
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
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 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