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 Unite for Modular Urban Living

Authors:
Maria Jocelei Steck, Thais de Freitas, Raissa Gattera Begiato, Danilo Maia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Unite for Modular Urban Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles combined with cross-laminated timber create a modular living environment that seamlessly integrates with urban landscapes while promoting sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and structural stability.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while minimizing material use.
04
Modular units allow for flexible configurations tailored to diverse living needs.
05
Integrated green roofs support local biodiversity and improve urban ecology.

The Nexus Pixel Homes project exhibits a modern architectural approach intended for the densely populated urban setting of Hong Kong. The design focuses on optimizing living space while enhancing community interaction through innovative modular housing solutions. The primary objective of this architectural project is to address the growing demand for flexible, sustainable, and accessible living environments in urban settings.

The Nexus Pixel Homes form a collection of adaptable residential units that serve various lifestyle needs. Each unit functions independently yet can be combined with others to accommodate families or communal living arrangements. The design promotes a sense of community, with shared spaces such as gardens and patios that encourage social interaction among residents while integrating greenery within the urban fabric.

Modular Design and Spatial Versatility

A defining characteristic of the Nexus Pixel Homes is its modular design. By utilizing prefabricated units, the project allows for quick assembly and adaptability to different site conditions or resident needs. Each pixel unit can be customized, providing a variety of configurations to cater to singles, couples, and families. This flexibility is a significant departure from traditional housing designs that often limit residents to predetermined layouts.

The spatial arrangement within the Nexus Pixel Homes enhances movement and accessibility. The vertical layout promotes efficient use of land, allowing for various stacked configurations that optimize light and airflow. Residents can enjoy open communal spaces while retaining privacy within their individual units. This interplay between public and private areas creates a dynamic living environment conducive to community development.

Community Integration and Environmental Sustainability

Integral to the Nexus Pixel Homes is its emphasis on community engagement and environmental sustainability. The project incorporates green roofs and communal gardens, which not only provide essential green spaces but also support local biodiversity. Solar panels installed on the building's surfaces contribute to the energy efficiency of the units, demonstrating a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint.

In addition to energy efficiency, the architecture integrates composting systems, addressing waste management while promoting ecological awareness among residents. The layout encourages social interaction and collaboration in sustainable practices, further strengthening community ties.

The Nexus Pixel Homes stand out due to their unique approach to urban living, focusing on flexibility, community-oriented design, and sustainability. This project exemplifies how thoughtful architectural design can solve contemporary urban challenges by fostering connections among residents while promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

For a deeper understanding of the Nexus Pixel Homes and its architectural concepts, it is beneficial to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented. Engaging with these materials can offer valuable insights into the project’s innovative approach and vision for future urban 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