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 Vertical Gardens Redefine Community Living Spaces

Authors:
Diksith S, Adez Anwar, Kevin Titus, Errol martin Dmello
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens Redefine Community Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and vertical gardens, the design creates a sustainable living environment that fosters community interaction while offering adaptable residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles as a durable and fire-resistant exterior.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features vertical gardens that enhance biodiversity and improve air quality.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Includes multi-functional communal spaces to encourage resident interaction and engagement.

The project is a contemporary architectural design that harmonizes functionality with aesthetic sensibilities. Located in an urban environment, the design incorporates a blend of modern and traditional elements, resulting in an innovative structure that serves a dual purpose: residential living spaces intertwined with community facilities. The design aims to foster a sense of belonging while catering to the diverse needs of its inhabitants, creating an integrated living experience.

The building's exterior showcases a combination of smooth facades and textured surfaces, highlighting a careful selection of materials including reinforced concrete, glass, and steel. The use of glass as a prominent feature promotes natural lighting and connectivity with the surrounding environment, enhancing the living experience within the project. This transparency invites the outside in, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces.

Another key aspect of this architectural design is its commitment to sustainability. The incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens not only adds to the visual appeal but also contributes to environmental responsibility. These elements not only improve air quality but also provide insulation, reducing energy consumption.

The project also emphasizes innovative spatial arrangements. Each living unit is designed to maximize space efficiency while ensuring comfort and privacy for residents. Open-plan layouts are complemented by strategically placed partitions that define private areas without sacrificing the overall flow of the space. Additionally, communal areas are thoughtfully integrated, encouraging interaction among residents and fostering community engagement.

Unique Design Approaches in Material and Form

What sets this project apart is the thoughtful approach towards material selection and form. The combination of concrete and glass creates a juxtaposition of solidity and lightness. The architect has embraced local materials, which not only supports the regional economy but also provides a contextually relevant aesthetic. The facade’s dynamic interplay of textures and reflections contributes to the structure's visual identity, distinguishing it from typical urban developments.

Moreover, the design employs passive solar strategies through careful orientation and shading devices, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining occupant comfort. These features reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, aligning the project with contemporary sustainability standards.

Integration of Community Spaces

In addition to the residential component, this architectural design incorporates multifunctional community spaces. These areas include a shared kitchen, meeting rooms, and recreational zones that promote collaboration and social interaction among residents. By designing spaces that encourage communal engagement, the project addresses the social needs of urban living, reinforcing the sense of community.

The landscaping surrounding the building is carefully curated, incorporating native flora that requires minimal maintenance and irrigation. This approach not only enriches local biodiversity but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the project, creating a cohesive relationship between built and natural environments.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural design project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas, we invite you to explore the project presentation. This analysis highlights the key components that contribute to its identity while showcasing innovative approaches that redefine contemporary residential 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