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 Recycled Timber Form a Resilient Coastal Residence

Author:
Isabella Pedrosa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Timber Form a Resilient Coastal Residence

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and recycled timber, the residence elevates its footprint to enhance coastal resilience while providing flexible living spaces tailored for sustainable lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on stilts to provide flood resilience and panoramic bay views.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance.
04
Features operable wooden shutters to optimize natural ventilation and light control.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame shape for improved wind resistance and energy efficiency.

**Overview**
The Seashell House is situated in Stiltsville, a historic community in Biscayne Bay, Miami, characterized by its unique collection of wooden stilt houses dating back to the 1930s. This architectural project aims to address contemporary residential challenges amid rising sea levels and climate change, all while preserving the area's ecological richness and cultural heritage. The design reflects a commitment to creating adaptable living spaces that harmonize with their surroundings and foster a connection to the marine ecosystem.

**Structural and Spatial Design**
The house's geometrical configuration, inspired by the form of a seashell, serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Elevated on stilts, it is built to withstand potential flooding while providing panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. The interior features an open-concept layout that accommodates diverse activities, combining living, working, and leisure spaces. Optimized for natural ventilation, the design incorporates angled rooftops that facilitate airflow and cooling. Operable wooden shutters enhance occupant comfort by providing control over light and ventilation in response to varying climatic conditions.

**Sustainability and Materiality**
A strategic selection of materials underpins the ecological commitment of the Seashell House. Recycled timber forms the structural framework and decking, aligning with sustainability goals. The design includes a KingSpan rainwater harvesting system, promoting water conservation by both collecting and recycling resources. Solar panels are integrated into the architecture, striving for energy independence and minimizing reliance on conventional energy sources. Glass and insulated panels are used to maximize natural light while ensuring thermal efficiency, creating an environment that is both functional and aesthetically aligned with its coastal context.

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