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 Sustainable Wood Create Community-Focused Living in a Desert Climate

Author:
Leticia Piacentini
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Wood Create Community-Focused Living in a Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and sustainable timber, the design creates a series of interconnected living units that foster community engagement in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light.
04
Includes integrated rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and utility use.
05
Promotes community interaction through strategically designed shared spaces.

### Overview

The Flower Project is situated in an arid region, addressing the challenges of urbanization, population density, and environmental sustainability. This initiative redefines conventional housing by merging cultural relevance with ecological principles, creating a framework for future-oriented living environments.

### Spatial Organization

The arrangement features clusters of housing units designed to enhance both privacy and communal spaces. Each unit is positioned to optimize natural light and accommodate the customs of Arabian culture. The layout integrates green corridors, contributing to improved microclimates and supporting ecological sustainability. Public areas, such as landscaped parks and walkways, encourage social interaction, while private units are strategically laid out to maintain privacy.

### Materiality and Construction Methods

Sustainability is a core focus, with a requirement that at least 80% of materials used are renewable or recycled. The selection includes certified sustainable wood, repurposed materials to minimize waste, and high-performance insulation for enhanced energy efficiency. Eco-friendly construction practices are emphasized, aiming to reduce environmental impacts through careful material sourcing and effective waste management strategies.

Overall, the project's design incorporates advanced energy-efficient systems, including natural ventilation for thermal regulation, water harvesting for irrigation, and rooftop solar panels to achieve net-zero energy consumption. Cultural elements reflect local traditions, fostering a sense of belonging within the community while promoting sustainability.

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