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 Stone Create a Grounded Sanctuary for Children

Authors:
Pablo Benincore, María Gasca, José luis De los reyes, Belén Rodriguez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Grounded Sanctuary for Children

Project in-detail

Emphasizing the use of charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design fosters a harmonious relationship with its surroundings while providing a safe and nurturing environment for children.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasizes the use of locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
02
Incorporates extensive greenery throughout exterior spaces to promote biodiversity.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and aesthetic warmth.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Integrates cultural elements from local heritage throughout the overall design.

### Project Overview
El Cocijo – Children's Sanctuary is located in Oaxaca, Mexico, and is designed to create an environment that fosters emotional and social development for children. The project emphasizes a strong connection to the local cultural context and natural landscape. By integrating educational and communal spaces, El Cocijo aims to serve as a safe haven for children while promoting a sense of belonging within the community.

### Spatial Configuration
The sanctuary's layout consists of interconnected spaces that facilitate various activities, ensuring both privacy and security for the children. The floor plan includes dedicated areas for public interaction, such as the common area and library, which encourage social engagement and creative expression, alongside private spaces designed for rest and contemplation. Outdoor areas enhance the experience of nature through landscaped zones that foster play and exploration, reflecting a commitment to the natural environment.

### Materiality and Craftsmanship
El Cocijo utilizes a carefully selected range of materials that not only enhance the aesthetic value but also emphasize sustainability and local craftsmanship. Reinforced concrete serves as a durable structural component, while locally sourced wood contributes warmth to fixtures and furnishings. Natural stone is incorporated into landscaping, further integrating the sanctuary with its environment. The selection of plant species throughout the site not only improves air quality but also creates a calming atmosphere conducive to learning and reflection. This thoughtful materiality reinforces the sanctuary's connection to both the local heritage and the surrounding landscape.

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