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 Green Roofs Create a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Maria Dragomirescu, Marian-alexandru Dinu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Create a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

With a distinctive green roof and charred wooden shingles, the structure serves as a multifunctional community hub, merging urban agriculture with educational opportunities in a sustainable environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
A green roof supports biodiversity and improves energy efficiency.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels allow for flexible interior configurations.
04
Design incorporates native plants to foster local ecological systems.
05
The structure features a bent A-frame design optimizing natural light and ventilation.

### Context
Located in proximity to Düsseldorf, Germany, the Social SERA project addresses the evolving demands of urban environments through sustainable architectural practices. Designed as a multifunctional greenhouse, it serves not only as a space for plant cultivation but also as a communal hub for social interaction and environmental education. The intent of the project is to foster community engagement while promoting ecological well-being, thereby creating a synergy between urban living and nature.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout of Social SERA is carefully orchestrated to enhance user experience through a variety of interconnected multifunctional spaces. The design includes a spacious multipurpose area capable of hosting diverse events, supported by adjacent technical spaces for operational efficiency. Transition zones facilitate movement between different activity areas, encouraging social interaction and collaboration among users. This thoughtful spatial strategy ensures that the structure remains adaptable to various functions, ranging from workshops to educational programs.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Sustainability underpins the material selection throughout the design, which incorporates transparent glass to maximize natural light, wood for aesthetic and structural purposes, and steel for framing. The innovative use of green roofing materials enhances insulation and biodiversity, while concrete elements provide foundational strength. By prioritizing renewable and locally sourced materials, the project reflects a commitment to ecological responsibility and contributes to a healthier indoor environment, bolstered by plant integration that improves air quality. Moreover, the design emphasizes energy efficiency and urban resilience through optimal landscape integration, further aligning with contemporary sustainability standards.

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