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 Solar Glazing Integrate Affordable Modular Housing Solutions

Authors:
Thanh Vo Trung, Linh Nguyen Vu, Diep Ngo Thi Hong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Glazing Integrate Affordable Modular Housing Solutions
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating charred wooden shingles and solar glazing, this modular housing development provides an environmentally sensitive solution to affordable living in Sydney's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates solar glazing to enhance energy efficiency and natural light.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels, promoting structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Includes flexible layouts designed to adapt to changing resident needs.
05
Integrates communal spaces to foster neighborhood interaction and enhance community ties.

### Overview

Located in the Ultimo and Pyrmont neighborhoods of Sydney, this modular housing project responds to the urgent need for affordable housing in a city facing significant challenges related to housing accessibility, urban sprawl, and population growth. The site is surrounded by a mix of commercial buildings and high-density residential units, making it an opportune location for integrating affordable living spaces with active community engagement. The design seeks to address these pressing issues by blending practical architectural strategies with a focus on sustainability.

### Spatial Strategy and Flexibility

The architectural concept employs a modular design that allows for the creation of diversified living units tailored to a range of family sizes. Inspired by a modular play system, the design presents three distinct types of dwelling units: single inhabitant, couple, and family-sized apartments. The vertically stacked arrangement not only maximizes the use of limited space but also fosters community interactions by promoting diverse housing formats within the same structure. Each module is designed with adaptability in mind, featuring layouts that can be easily reorganized to suit changing occupants' needs.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Durability and energy efficiency are at the forefront of material choices for this housing development. The primary structural component is concrete, chosen for its strength and longevity. Glass façades are incorporated to enhance natural lighting and reduce dependence on artificial illumination. A unique feature includes solar panel glass designed to cover over 80% of the façade, significantly contributing to the project's sustainability goals. Additionally, a water management system is implemented, including stormwater harvesting and wastewater treatment facilities, promoting responsible use of resources. The design also facilitates natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and further enhancing energy efficiency.

The thoughtful combination of robust materials and strategic design elements fosters a cohesive living environment, supporting both individual needs and community-oriented engagement within a sustainable framework.

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
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