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 Panels Transforming Mixed-Use Urban Living

Authors:
Dominika Kłopotek, Paweł Andruszkiewicz
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Panels Transforming Mixed-Use Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and extensive solar panels, the development prioritizes sustainability while integrating communal spaces that foster urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize structural integrity and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates extensive green terraces to promote urban biodiversity.
04
Integrates smart home technology for efficient energy management.
05
Utilizes locally-sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.

**General Description**

The architectural project under analysis is a contemporary mixed-use development located in an urban setting characterized by a blend of residential, commercial, and community spaces. This development aims to foster social interaction while addressing the need for sustainable urban living. The design typifies a thoughtful integration of form and function, encapsulating the essence of modern architectural practice.

The primary functions of the building include residential housing, retail spaces, and communal areas that promote social engagement. The architect has prioritized a layout that encourages pedestrian movement and accessibility, showcasing a clear pathway through the site that connects various layers of activity. The roofline exhibits a variety of heights and forms, breaking the monotony often found in typical urban blocks and allowing for dynamic interactions with the skyline.

**Innovative Design Elements**

What distinguishes this project from conventional mixed-use developments is its innovative approach to materiality and spatial organization. The façade incorporates a combination of glass, steel, and locally sourced stone, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment while ensuring energy efficiency. Extensive use of large windows enhances natural light penetration, promoting a positive internal atmosphere and reducing the dependency on artificial lighting.

The roof features a green terrace that serves multiple purposes, including an area for urban gardening and a recreational space for residents. This integration of green spaces reflects an increasing trend in architecture to address environmental concerns and promote biodiversity within urban settings. Additionally, solar panels are strategically placed to harness renewable energy, further contributing to the building's sustainability goals.

**Community-Centric Approach**

The design emphasizes community interaction through strategically placed common areas, such as open plazas and gathering spaces that facilitate social events and informal meetings. These areas are designed with varying levels of privacy, accommodating a range of activities from quiet reflection to larger gatherings.

Moreover, the project incorporates advanced building technologies such as smart home features in residential units and energy management systems to optimize resource use effectively. The commitment to creating an inclusive environment is evident in the universally accessible pathways and the thoughtful layout that accommodates diverse populations.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural vision, the reader is encouraged to explore the project presentation. Detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas and functional strategies informing this development. Investigating these elements will further illustrate the architectural narrative of this project and its place within contemporary urban architecture.

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

`
Competition organisers

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