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 Natural Insulation Create Sustainable Housing for Agricultural Families

Author:
Zachary Naugles
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Insulation Create Sustainable Housing for Agricultural Families
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing charred wooden shingles and natural insulation, this sustainable housing solution provides adaptable living spaces for agricultural families in California's Central Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Grow Blocks for modular construction, allowing rapid assembly and scalability.
02
Incorporates natural insulation from plant-based materials for enhanced thermal efficiency.
03
Features Tucked-in Lift access for improved space utilization and accessibility.
04
Includes raised gardens to promote urban agriculture and food security for residents.
05
Employs reclaimed wood, reducing waste and reflecting regional agricultural heritage.

The "Growing Room" architectural project is designed to address the housing needs of agricultural workers and their families in California's Central Valley and South Coast regions. This initiative aims to provide sustainable and equitable living environments tailored specifically for those engaged in the agricultural sector. The project responds to the urgent demand for affordable housing while emphasizing the importance of community and ecological responsibility.

The design encompasses modular housing units constructed from materials that prioritize sustainability and efficiency. Each unit is adaptable, allowing for diverse configurations that can accommodate varying family sizes and needs. The primary focus is on creating functional living spaces that extend beyond traditional housing frameworks, promoting a sense of community and belonging among residents.

Sustainability is a core principle of the "Growing Room" project. Key design features include the use of Grow Blocks, which serve as standardized building components, facilitating quick assembly and flexibility in layout. Natural insulation techniques utilizing plant-based materials enhance the thermal efficiency of the units, while reclaimed wood elements contribute to the architectural integrity and reduce waste. These choices reflect a commitment to reducing the environmental impact associated with building construction.

Unique Design Approaches and Community Integration

A distinguishing factor of this project is its cultural responsiveness, which considers the social dynamics of agricultural workers' lives. The provision of raised gardens within some housing units illustrates this approach, allowing families to engage in urban agriculture, thus promoting food security and sustainability. The integration of communal spaces encourages social interaction and fosters a strong community bond among residents.

Moreover, the project's design incorporates Tucked-into-Single-Lift elements, contrasting with traditional stair access. This innovative feature optimizes the use of space and enhances accessibility for residents while maintaining a compact footprint. The flexibility in configurations also enables future scalability, allowing the project to adapt to changing community needs.

Functionality and Architectural Details

The architectural details of the "Growing Room" reflect a commitment to practicality and comfort. The modular units are designed with multi-functional furniture solutions, maximizing internal space utility. Configurations include options for single, double, and family occupancy, each thoughtfully designed to meet varying spatial requirements. Western glazing in the windows ensures ample natural light while managing heat, further contributing to the sustainability ethos of the project.

The overall architectural design emphasizes a seamless connection with the natural environment, promoting outdoor living and community engagement. The choice of materials not only addresses sustainability but also reflects the cultural heritage of the region.

To gain deeper insights into the specific architectural designs, architectural plans, and architectural sections of the "Growing Room" project, explore the project presentation. Discover the innovative concepts and practical solutions that distinguish this project from conventional housing developments in the agricultural sector.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

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