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 Polycarbonate Facades in Modular Urban Housing

Author:
John Henry
Charred Wooden Shingles and Polycarbonate Facades in Modular Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing a unique combination of charred wooden shingles and polycarbonate facades, this modular housing solution optimizes urban density while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, promoting rapid assembly and structural stability.
03
Features a versatile bent A-frame design to optimize interior space and light.
04
Integrates shared green terraces to support community gardening and social interaction.
05
Employs locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.

## Overview

The proposed architectural design situates itself within an urban context in London, addressing the demand for modular housing through the "Hive model." This approach is focused on providing adaptable living spaces that cater to diverse urban populations, emphasizing both sustainability and functionality.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The Hive model utilizes a vertical stacking strategy to maximize living space while fostering interactions among residents. Each modular unit is designed as an independent cell, featuring personal outdoor areas and shared corridors that encourage community engagement. The layout promotes ease of access and connectivity, with elevator cores facilitating natural light and ventilation across the site. Generous terraces serve as private gardens, enhancing the living experience and promoting a sense of community in an urban setting.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project prioritizes sustainable material use to alleviate its ecological impact. Key materials include timber for structural framing, which offers both aesthetic warmth and structural efficiency; polycarbonate sheets for facades that provide translucency; and steel, which reinforces the structure while maintaining a lightweight characteristic. High-performance insulation systems are employed to ensure energy efficiency within each module. This materiality not only contributes to the design's sustainability but also complements the historical context of London, creating a visually cohesive urban presence.

In summary, the Hive model exemplifies an innovative approach to modular housing, integrating sustainable principles with an emphasis on community-oriented living in an urban environment.

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

`

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