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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Elevate Urban Housing Solutions
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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