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 Sustainable Learning Environment

Author:
Wolfgang Ysrael Ramos Finol
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Sustainable Learning Environment

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design enhances natural ventilation and outdoor connectivity, creating an educational environment that fosters community engagement and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using sustainably sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and airflow throughout the facility.
03
Features extensive outdoor terraces that seamlessly integrate learning environments with natural landscapes.
04
Utilizes local stone for pathways, fostering a connection between the building and its surrounding ecosystem.
05
Designed with communal gathering spaces to encourage collaboration among students and the community.

### Overview

Located in Adicora, Falcom, Venezuela, the Gurkha School serves as a multifunctional educational facility designed to integrate sustainability and regional cultural elements within a tropical context. The intent of the design is to create a vibrant learning environment that fosters connection among students, educators, and the surrounding landscape. Featuring a dual-level layout, the school organizes its components—classrooms, recreational facilities, and communal spaces—around a central double-height lobby, promoting interaction and engagement.

### Spatial Strategy and Climate Response

The spatial arrangement facilitates a cohesive flow between various areas while prioritizing connectivity through natural pathways. Student and teacher interactions are enhanced by strategically placed social spaces and recreational amenities, including open terraces and a swimming pool. The architecture incorporates climate-responsive features, such as overhanging roofs and cross-ventilation techniques, that minimize reliance on mechanical cooling systems. These elements combine to create a comfortable learning environment that adapts to local climatic conditions.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices emphasize environmental sustainability and local sourcing. The predominant use of locally-sourced concrete ensures structural integrity while minimizing transportation impacts. Wood is employed for both structural and aesthetic elements, showcasing regional craftsmanship. Large glass windows facilitate natural lighting and views of the landscape, while natural stone pathways integrate the building with its surroundings. By prioritizing materials that support local economies and utilizing environmentally responsible practices, the design reflects a commitment to sustainable architecture aligned with community values.

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