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 Thermal Glazing in an Eco-Friendly Desert Dwelling

Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Glazing in an Eco-Friendly Desert Dwelling
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with charred wooden shingles and thermal glazing, this eco-friendly dwelling integrates seamlessly into the desert landscape while delivering sustainable living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to maintain comfort without mechanical systems.
05
Includes an artificial pond to create a microclimate that supports surrounding vegetation.

## Overview

Located in a visually striking desert landscape, this project seeks to create a comfortable and sustainable living environment that responds to the unique climatic conditions while integrating with the natural terrain. The design features an overarching canopy structure that not only provides shade and regulates sunlight exposure but also enhances the connection between internal spaces and the outdoors.

## Spatial Configuration and Functional Areas

The layout systematically organizes various living and recreational spaces to fulfill diverse user needs. Central to this configuration is the main patio, which serves as a focal point for social interaction. Adjacent to the patio, a swimming pool reflects its surroundings, contributing to the aesthetic and providing recreational options. A kitchen and dining area are designed to foster communal engagement, while an en-suite master bedroom offers privacy alongside outdoor accessibility. Additional features include a flexible lounge area, an outdoor deck that extends living spaces into the desert landscape, and a garden promoting biodiversity. A flat artificial pond is also integrated as an ecological element, enhancing the site's cooling effect.

## Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

Material choices are crucial for balancing sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics. Notable materials include roof glazing that maximizes natural light while reducing heat gain, structural steel framing for expansive open spaces, and thermal mass materials to regulate indoor temperatures. High-quality insulation further enhances thermal performance.

The design incorporates passive solar techniques, including optimized sun-shading to block excessive heat while permitting winter sunlight. Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings that promote airflow, enhancing indoor comfort without mechanical assistance. Collectively, these elements create a microclimate that supports cooler temperatures in living areas while harmonizing with the surrounding environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 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
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 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
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 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
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 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