Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Circular Extension of Space With Polycarbonate Panels and Natural Ventilation

Author:
Tianqi Huang
Circular Extension of Space With Polycarbonate Panels and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a radial organization of space, the design utilizes polycarbonate panels to enhance natural light and ventilation, creating a harmonious residential environment that fosters both community interaction and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a central atrium that maximizes natural light and airflow throughout the living spaces.
02
Radial column arrangement supports a seamless flow between communal and private areas.
03
Polycarbonate panels are utilized for enhanced insulation while allowing diffused light entry.
04
The structure features varying ceiling heights to create distinct spatial experiences.
05
An indoor garden within the atrium integrates nature directly into the living environment.

The architectural project located at the base of Tanglang Mountain in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen, China, embodies a contemporary approach to residential design. This structure utilizes a circular layout to create a harmonious connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. The design facilitates natural light throughout the building, enhancing the livability of the space while maintaining environmental sensitivity.

The primary function of this project is to serve as a residential dwelling that emphasizes communal and private areas equally. The interior spaces encourage interaction through thoughtfully designed communal areas, while intimate spaces provide retreat and privacy. The layout is intentionally circular, which promotes fluid movement within the structure and eliminates rigid directional experiences commonly found in traditional architectural forms.

Considerable attention has been given to the selection of materials, each chosen for its functional and aesthetic qualities. Key materials include concrete for structural integrity, expansive glass for transparency and light, polycarbonate panels that aid in insulation while maintaining light diffusion, and wooden elements that introduce a natural texture and warmth to the interior environments.

The radial arrangement of structural columns surrounding a central atrium stands out as a unique aspect of the project. This design not only allows for ample natural light but also creates a visual and physical focal point that facilitates air circulation. The varied heights of the ceilings contribute to a rich spatial experience, with higher zones fostering social interaction and lower areas providing a more intimate atmosphere.

Another distinctive feature is the incorporation of expansive windows and crosswise openings that frame views of the natural surroundings. These elements blur the line between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting a connection with nature while ensuring privacy from the external surroundings. The central atrium also features an indoor garden, integrating live greenery to further enhance the residential experience and contribute to the overall well-being of the occupants.

Overall, this project reflects a modern understanding of residential architecture, prioritizing adaptability, environmental interaction, and user experience. The unique circular form, along with its carefully chosen materials, sets this project apart in a landscape of conventional design approaches.

For those interested in deeper insights into this architectural endeavor, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas presented can provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s innovative solutions and contextual responses.

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