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 Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Urban Community Space

Authors:
Sebastian Olatte, Francisco Galleguillos, Benjamin Fernandez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Urban Community Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a structure built with cross-laminated timber, creating a durable and sustainable urban community space designed for flexible interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber construction reduces carbon footprint and provides structural integrity.
03
Flexible interior spaces adapt for various community activities and interactions.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the building.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems support sustainability initiatives.

The project under analysis is a contemporary architectural design that exemplifies a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context. Situated in an urban environment, the building serves a multifaceted purpose with spaces dedicated to community engagement, commerce, and residential living. This architectural endeavor carefully responds to its geographic location, considering local climatic conditions, site characteristics, and surrounding built environment.

The design employs a cohesive material palette, featuring materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, steel, and sustainable timber. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone of the project, providing stability and durability. The glass elements create transparency, enhancing natural light within the interiors while allowing visual connectivity with the external environment. Steel is utilized for structural support and detailing, contributing to the architectural articulation of the façade. Sustainable timber elements are strategically incorporated to soften the overall aesthetic and add warmth to communal areas.

One significant aspect of this project is its commitment to sustainability. The design incorporates passive heating and cooling strategies, maximizes natural ventilation, and utilizes renewable energy sources. This approach not only reduces the building’s ecological footprint but also enhances the quality of spaces for occupants. Rainwater harvesting systems and green roofs further contribute to environmental sustainability, showcasing contemporary architectural approaches that prioritize ecological responsibility.

The interior layout is carefully considered, promoting flexibility and adaptability. Communal spaces are designed to foster interaction and collaboration, reflecting the project’s emphasis on community well-being. Private areas maintain a level of privacy and comfort, demonstrating attention to user experience. The arrangement of spaces promotes ease of movement and visual connectivity, maximizing the use of available light and spatial dimensions.

In addition to sustainability and functionality, the project distinguishes itself through innovative use of materials and design techniques. The incorporation of biophilic design principles introduces natural elements into the architecture, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces encourages a seamless transition between the natural environment and the built form.

Visitors and users alike are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into this project. Each element has been crafted with intention, establishing a holistic architectural narrative that invites further investigation into its design outcomes and conceptual foundations. Detailed examinations of materiality and spatial organization underscore the careful consideration given to both context and user experience, prompting a dialogue on contemporary architectural ideas and approaches.

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