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 Reinforced Concrete Elevate Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Lena Madlen Purschke, Maximilian Carl Nicolas Seipp, Belen Zevallos borges
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Elevate Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and reinforced concrete, this urban housing solution transforms under-utilized infrastructure into compact living spaces that enhance community connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for effective structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize space and promote natural light.
04
Integrates urban greenery through extensive green roofs to contribute to biodiversity.
05
Transforms under-utilized areas beneath infrastructure into functional communal living spaces.

### Project Overview

Located in Cape Town, South Africa, the project integrates residential units with existing urban infrastructure in a densely populated context, specifically beneath established bridges. This design addresses the dual objectives of maximizing urban density while providing green, livable spaces. The intent is to cultivate community interaction and promote sustainable living solutions through innovative spatial strategies.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout consists of three distinct housing types tailored to accommodate various resident needs. Each unit is designed with compact living spaces that optimize functionality and comfort while allowing for flexibility in arrangement according to individual lifestyles. Public areas include urban parks and pedestrian walkways, enhancing connectivity and social interaction within the community. These communal spaces, situated beneath and around elevated structures, support outdoor activities and encourage a walkable, environmentally friendly urban experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The materials selected for construction prioritize sustainability and durability. Reinforced concrete forms the primary structural framework, supporting elevated living spaces while ensuring longevity. Timber is employed in residential units, promoting warmth and an organic aesthetic through the use of engineered wood. Extensive glazing is utilized in façades to enhance natural light and connect residents with their surroundings. Green roofs are integrated to manage stormwater and improve residents' quality of life by incorporating nature into the living environment. This approach minimizes the environmental impact of new construction by repurposing existing infrastructure while fostering social cohesion through thoughtful design.

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