Get inspired!

16,544 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 Sustainable Community Living in Berlin

Author:
Pisica Matthias
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Create Sustainable Community Living in Berlin

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by green roofs, the development redefines urban living in Berlin by integrating modular housing solutions with communal spaces for a cohesive community experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to create a sustainable and lightweight structural system.
03
Green roofs are integrated to promote biodiversity and improve thermal insulation.
04
Modular housing units can be customized to adapt to various family sizes and lifestyle needs.
05
Communal spaces are strategically designed to foster interaction and promote community engagement.
The architectural project located in the Hansaviertel district of Berlin embodies a thoughtful response to contemporary housing needs, addressing the complexities of urban living through an incremental housing approach. This design represents a harmonious blend of new construction with existing architectural elements, facilitating a community-driven environment while maintaining the historical context of the neighborhood. The primary function of this project is to provide affordable housing solutions, fostering social connections among residents and promoting a sense of belonging within an urban landscape characterized by rapid change.

Upon examining the project, one can identify key aspects that contribute to its functional and aesthetic integrity. The design emphasizes modular housing units that can be adapted to suit a variety of family sizes and lifestyles, showcasing flexibility as a core principle. This adaptability not only meets immediate housing demands but also addresses the long-term vision of creating a sustainable community. The architectural layout incorporates collective spaces, such as shared gardens and communal areas, which serve as vital social hubs. These spaces are strategically placed to encourage interaction among residents, enhancing neighborly ties and promoting communal life.

The integration of architectural history is another important aspect of this project’s design approach. By respecting and responding to the characteristics of the surrounding built environment, the project creates a dialogue between new and old. This sensitive integration allows for a cohesive urban fabric while providing an opportunity for the architectural narrative of Hansaviertel to evolve. The design also includes features that facilitate movement and connectivity throughout the development. Well-considered circulation paths and staircases serve as both functional elements and symbols of interaction, embodying the project's overarching mission to strengthen community ties.

Furthermore, sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the project's design. eco-friendly materials, such as reinforced concrete, steel composites, and glass, are chosen not only for their structural prowess but also for their potential to support greener living environments. Additionally, the incorporation of green roofs and urban landscaping enhances the ecological footprint of the project, contributing to biodiversity within the urban landscape and promoting a healthier living environment for the residents.

Unique design approaches emerge from this project’s commitment to community engagement and participatory architecture. By involving residents in the planning and evolution of their living spaces, the project fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members. This participatory spirit ensures that the architectural designs resonate with the needs and aspirations of the people who inhabit them, ultimately creating a living environment that is both functional and meaningful.

This project stands out in its ability to merge pragmatic housing solutions with a broader social vision, making it a valuable case study in contemporary architectural practice. Its thoughtful design choices, clear understanding of community dynamics, and respect for historical context position it as a noteworthy example of architecture that responds to the urgent challenges facing urban environments today.

For readers interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of this architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs and ideas, it is recommended to explore the project presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide a richer understanding of how the project navigates the complexities of urbanization and community living.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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