Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Clerestory Windows Enabling Natural Light in Prefabricated Modular Living Spaces

Author:
Craig Carbrey
Clerestory Windows Enabling Natural Light in Prefabricated Modular Living Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing clerestory windows, the design maximizes natural light in a prefabricated modular living space that promotes sustainability through integrated solar and rainwater collection systems.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes clerestory windows for enhanced natural light and ventilation.
02
Incorporates both solar and rainwater collection systems for sustainability.
03
Features a versatile interior layout adaptable to various living functions.
04
Constructed using a prefabricated modular system for efficient assembly.
05
Designed with an emphasis on compact living without sacrificing functionality.

The design is located in a compact urban area, focusing on flexible living spaces through a modular approach. The base module covers 12.5 square meters, allowing for customization based on various user needs and site conditions. The overarching concept emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and sustainability, merging practical design with everyday functionality.

Plan Variants

Five plan variants are incorporated into the design to maximize space while addressing different needs. The Compact variant includes systems for solar and rainwater collection, highlighting an emphasis on sustainability. The L-Shaped variant is designed to take advantage of solar exposure and offers varied views, effectively creating usable outdoor areas. The Linear layout optimizes solar orientation and encourages natural airflow within the living space. Meanwhile, the Offset variant establishes outdoor zones while enabling natural lighting and efficient water management. Finally, the Stacked variant organizes the interior to separate public and private areas while minimizing the overall footprint.

Site Conditions

The design takes into account various site conditions, utilizing construction methods such as post and beam systems, crawl spaces, and slab-on-grade foundations. This approach ensures that the modules can fit both traditional and contemporary settings, giving them a broad range of applicability in different locations.

Interior Modules

Inside, the layout is carefully divided into functional modules tailored for specific purposes. The kitchen and storage area features essential cabinets and a top ledge for lighting and additional storage. The bedroom, which also serves as an office and storage area, combines a foldable couch with desk space, catering to living, working, and sleeping needs. The bathroom integrates a prefabricated unit linked to rainwater systems, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

Design Details

A variety of modular components, including wall panels, clerestory panels, and sloped roof panels, contribute to optimized solar exposure and effective daylighting. Clerestory windows enhance light flow, while sloped roofs collect rainwater, supporting environmental control strategies. The materials used for cladding include shingles, weathering steel, metal panels, fiber cement, and vertical siding, providing both durability and aesthetic versatility in line with the design.

The overall arrangement of these architectural elements results in a detailed design that reflects modern living. It balances practicality with a focus on natural systems, ensuring that each module serves its purpose effectively. The thoughtful organization of spaces fosters a comfortable flow, reinforcing the connection between indoor life and the environment outside.

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