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 Glass Facade Transform Community Interaction in Urban Setting

Author:
Nabeel Aziz Essa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade Transform Community Interaction in Urban Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a translucent glass facade, the design redefines urban community spaces by creating a harmonious environment that fosters interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while providing a distinctive texture and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to create an efficient structural framework that reduces construction time and energy consumption.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for a unique silhouette that organically integrates with the surrounding landscape.
04
The project incorporates passive solar design principles, maximizing natural light and minimizing energy usage throughout the year.
05
Dedicated community spaces are strategically positioned to encourage social interaction and engagement among users.

## Overview

Located in an urban environment characterized by socio-economic diversity, the design addresses issues of inequality by creating adaptable residential units that foster community interactions. By integrating traditional Islamic architectural principles with modern sustainability goals, the approach emphasizes both shared living spaces and individual privacy, tailoring a solution for today’s urban challenges.

## Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization prioritizes flexibility and modularity, allowing residents to modify living areas according to their cultural and familial requirements. The layout is defined by a central staircase that serves dual purposes: it facilitates vertical connectivity among the multi-level structure and acts as a communal hub, promoting social interaction among residents. Various floor plans exemplify this adaptability, from base designs incorporating shared facilities to evolved configurations with additional bedrooms and flexible spaces for changing family dynamics.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a selection of materials that enhance both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Brick forms the primary structural element, providing thermal insulation through its sturdy walls. Performance glass is incorporated to optimize daylighting without excessive heat gain, while contemporary lattice screens draw from traditional mashrabiya to offer shade and privacy. Sustainability features include solar panels for energy generation, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural cooling strategies that improve airflow, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

These design decisions collectively contribute to a residential environment that embodies cultural heritage while promoting a sustainable future.

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