Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Community hub featuring sustainable design with native plant landscaping and large glass façades

Author:
Pia Alge
Community hub featuring sustainable design with native plant landscaping and large glass façades

Project in-detail

This community hub seamlessly integrates sustainable materials like glass and steel with native plant landscaping, creating a space that fosters connection while respecting its environmental context.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The structure incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, enhancing its sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
02
A unique bent A-frame design offers both aesthetic appeal and structural efficiency, allowing for flexible interior space configurations.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used for the exterior, providing fire resistance while creating a visually distinct textural quality.
04
Native plant landscaping surrounds the building, promoting local biodiversity and minimizing water usage through drought-resistant plant selection.
05
The extensive use of large glass façades maximizes natural light and establishes a seamless connection with the outdoor environment, enhancing occupant experience.
The architectural project in question represents a thoughtful integration of functionality and aesthetic sensibility, situated in a context that enhances community engagement and sustainability. Designed by a team dedicated to impactful architectural design, this project embodies a contemporary approach that balances modern needs with environmental considerations.

At its core, the project functions as a multifaceted space aimed at serving the community while providing an inviting atmosphere for its occupants. The layout is meticulously planned, offering diverse areas that accommodate various activities. These spaces are designed to foster interaction, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among users. The open floor plan concept allows for flexible use of interior spaces, facilitating adaptability to changing needs over time.

One of the essential features of the project is its façade, characterized by the use of a harmonious blend of materials. The exterior presents a combination of concrete, glass, wood, steel, and stone, each contributing to the overall visual language and functional requirements. Concrete serves as the skeletal framework, providing stability and endurance while allowing large areas of glass to create transparency throughout the structure. This strategic use of glass not only invites natural light into the interior but also connects indoor spaces with the exterior environment, promoting a sense of openness.

Furthermore, wood elements are thoughtfully incorporated into the design, lending warmth and a tactile quality to both the façade and interior spaces. This choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also complements the project’s ecological ethos. Steel components are utilized not just for structural support but as a design element that reflects modern industrial elegance. The inclusion of stone accents further enriches the material palette, bringing a level of permanence and grounding the design within its geographical context.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in its sustainable solutions. The design team has prioritized ecological awareness, integrating green technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and green roofs. These aspects not only reduce the building's environmental impact but also provide educational opportunities for occupants and visitors alike, demonstrating the viability of sustainable architectural practices.

The project engages with its surroundings, respecting local heritage while inviting interaction with the community. This consideration is reflected in its landscaping, which features native plantings that promote biodiversity and require minimal maintenance. The seamless transition between built form and natural elements encourages exploration and interaction with the outdoor spaces, creating a welcoming environment for all.

In addition to these physical attributes, the project showcases innovative architectural ideas that challenge conventional perceptions of space and function. Each room is designed to maximize usability while maintaining a connection to the exterior, promoting a healthy and dynamic environment for its occupants. Attention is given to acoustic comfort and natural ventilation, ensuring that the interior spaces remain conducive to both productivity and relaxation.

For those interested in exploring this architectural project further, a detailed presentation includes architectural plans, sections, and design insights that delve deeper into the concepts and methodologies employed. By examining these resources, readers can appreciate the nuanced decision-making processes that have shaped this well-crafted project. We invite you to engage with the details provided in the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its architectural expression and functionality.
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 #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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