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 Integrated With Vertical Extensions in Multifamily Urban Housing

Author:
Akram Chelli
Charred Wooden Shingles Integrated With Vertical Extensions in Multifamily Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with strategically placed vertical extensions, this multifamily housing project enhances natural ventilation while promoting communal living in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and provide a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and facilitates natural light penetration.
04
Integrated vertical extensions optimize airflow while maintaining privacy for residents.
05
Rooftop gardens promote biodiversity and offer communal green spaces for occupants.

### Project Overview
The architectural project is situated within an urban context, emphasizing a balance between innovative design and environmental integration. The intent is to create a residential structure that fosters a sense of community while drawing upon both contemporary aesthetics and traditional architectural influences.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design features an intuitive spatial arrangement that connects indoor and outdoor areas, enhancing usability. Key open spaces, such as gardens and terraces, are strategically positioned to encourage interaction between residents and the landscape. The layout ensures that service areas are discreetly located away from primary living spaces, promoting a tidy and functional environment. In the upper levels, private sleeping quarters are complemented by balconies that extend living spaces outdoors, providing additional areas for relaxation and connection to nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A deliberate choice of materials reinforces both local traditions and modern sensibilities. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, while aluminum components enhance the lightweight nature of the design. Glass facades maximize natural light and facilitate visibility, and wooden accents introduce warmth and organic texture. Additionally, ceramic tiles and stone coatings reflect local craftsmanship and durability.

Sustainability is a prominent focus, highlighted by the integration of natural ventilation systems inspired by traditional wind towers. These design elements optimize airflow throughout the structure, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling while enhancing indoor comfort. The aesthetically decorative facade offers passive cooling benefits through patterned screens that create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to the home’s ecological performance.

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