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 Light Define a Versatile Urban Community Space

Authors:
Vera Grieneisen, Natasha Jasmin lopes rodriguez, Janquiel Iessa florencio, Parcipal Cristovão Fagundes Masiero
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Define a Versatile Urban Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and abundant natural light, the design creates a versatile community space that fosters interaction and integrates seamlessly with its urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to efficient construction and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Integrated green spaces promote biodiversity and user engagement.
05
Large outdoor terraces extend usable space and encourage community interaction.

This project exemplifies a modern architectural design focused on functionality and integration with its surrounding environment. Located in a vibrant urban area, the building serves as a multipurpose facility, accommodating community activities, offices, and leisure spaces. The design promotes interaction among users while respecting the local context and enhancing the urban fabric.

The architectural approach emphasizes sustainability and efficiency. The facade features a combination of glass and natural materials, creating a dialogue between transparency and solidity. Large windows allow abundant natural light to permeate the interior, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The incorporation of green spaces both on the facade and within the site contributes to the overall ecological footprint, promoting biodiversity while offering users areas for relaxation and reflection.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

One noteworthy aspect of this project is its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Adjacent terraces and balconies extend living areas beyond the building’s envelope, allowing for greater connection with nature. These outdoor spaces are designed with usability in mind, featuring seating areas, landscaping, and shade structures that respond to the local climate.

Moreover, the careful arrangement of spaces takes into account user movement and experience. Common areas are strategically located to encourage social interaction, while private spaces like offices and meeting rooms are designed for focused work. This thoughtful layering of public and private zones enhances functionality and promotes collaboration among users.

Innovative Use of Materials

Another distinctive feature is the innovative use of materials throughout the project. The exterior cladding combines pre-fabricated concrete panels with sustainable wood elements, creating a visually appealing texture that distinguishes the building from conventional designs. The choice of materials not only contributes to the aesthetic quality but also enhances the building's thermal performance.

The project's design incorporates energy-efficient systems, including solar panels on the roof and rainwater harvesting mechanisms, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. The architectural solutions reflect a contemporary understanding of resource management, aiming for a reduced environmental impact.

This architectural design stands out due to its thoughtful integration of functionality, sustainable practices, and user-oriented spaces. To explore the project further, review the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that illustrate the careful consideration of every element in this comprehensive design approach. Such insights will deepen your understanding of this project’s architectural ideas and unique contributions to modern architecture.

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