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 Enhance Community Living in Prefabricated Modular Units

Author:
Egil Ljungkvist
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Living in Prefabricated Modular Units
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Crafted with charred wooden shingles and a focus on modularity, this design redefines community living by merging functionality with sustainable materials to create efficient residential units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from sustainably sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes space and encourages natural light infiltration.
04
Modular units designed for adaptability, allowing customizable layouts based on resident needs.
05
Includes communal green spaces that promote social interaction among residents while enhancing biodiversity.

The architectural design project "Ben's Land" represents a thoughtful exploration of modular living, emphasizing community, sustainability, and functionality. The project is characterized by prefabricated living units that cater to a minimalist lifestyle while promoting social interaction among residents. Each modular unit incorporates essential functions such as sleeping, cooking, and communal spaces, providing an efficient solution for housing in urban settings.

Modular Design and Spatial Efficiency

"Ben's Land" employs a modular design approach, allowing for flexibility in living arrangements. Each unit is composed of multiple slices, ensuring that essential living functions are efficiently organized without compromising comfort. The architectural design prioritizes spatial efficiency, making use of every square foot to serve multiple purposes. Glass facades are strategically integrated to enhance natural light, creating a sense of openness within the smaller living spaces. Furthermore, the design incorporates outdoor areas, including shared gardens and terraces, increasing the sense of community among residents.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

A defining aspect of "Ben's Land" is its focus on sustainability. The project integrates natural materials such as wood and concrete, promoting durability and a connection to the environment. The structures are designed to minimize energy consumption, with opportunities for residents to co-manage resources through communal facilities. Unique to this project is the mobile application that facilitates shared resources, allowing residents to access communal spaces like kitchens and activity rooms. This feature not only enhances the living experience but also reduces individual resource consumption, embodying sustainable community living.

Choice of Materials and Structural Innovations

The architectural design employs a variety of materials strategically selected for their functional and aesthetic qualities. Concrete forms the primary structural element, providing stability and insulation. The use of glass ensures transparency and visual connectivity, allowing residents to feel connected to outdoor spaces. Wood is present in interior finishes, adding warmth and comfort to the living environment. Additionally, metal components are incorporated for structural support and to enhance modern aesthetics. The interplay of these materials contributes to a cohesive design that aligns with the project’s overarching goals of functionality and sustainability.

Exploring "Ben's Land" offers valuable insights into enhancing urban living through architectural innovation. To gain a deeper understanding of the architectural strategies and design elements, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas associated with the project is highly encouraged. Visit the project’s presentation for a comprehensive analysis.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 27 November 2025
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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