Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Concrete and SIP Structure with Outdoor Terrace for Compact Living

Author:
Khrystyna Karkhut
Concrete and SIP Structure with Outdoor Terrace for Compact Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with a concrete floor slab and structural insulated panels, the design incorporates a generous outdoor terrace to enhance living space, catering to the needs of compact residential life in Tobermory.
5 key facts about this project
01
Compact footprint of 24.98 square meters designed for efficient living.
02
Integrates a 10.3 square meter outdoor terrace for enhanced natural interaction.
03
Constructed with structural insulated panels for superior thermal performance.
04
Features a dedicated storage area promoting organization within limited space.
05
Incorporates concrete floor slabs ensuring durability and stability.

The project located in Tobermory, Canada, reflects a practical response to the requirements of compact living in a small-town environment. The design focuses on optimizing limited space while creating a strong bond with the natural surroundings. Covering a footprint of 24.98 square meters, the structure combines efficiency with a minimalistic aesthetic. The overall concept aims to enhance daily life by integrating indoor and outdoor living areas, reflecting an awareness of the local context.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the first floor prioritizes functionality with specific zones designed for everyday activities. A terrace measuring 10.3 square meters extends the living space outdoors, inviting residents to use the surrounding landscape. The kitchen and dining area, occupying 8.5 square meters, encourages social interaction and efficient cooking. A 4.8 square meter storage/resting area adds practicality, helping to keep the living space organized. The floor also includes a 1.6 square meter entrance and a WC/Shower area of 13 square meters, addressing both privacy and utility with thoughtful design.

Upper Level Functionality

The second floor increases the building's practicality, featuring a total area of 35.6 square meters, which includes a living/working area of 9.2 square meters and a sleeping area of 8.2 square meters. This arrangement meets the needs of modern lifestyles, where spaces serve multiple purposes. The design provides an easy transition between relaxation and productivity, ensuring that every square meter is used effectively.

Material Considerations

Durable and functional materials are integral to the building's performance. A concrete floor slab forms the sill plate, providing a sturdy foundation. Structural components, such as SIP screws and anchor bolts, enhance the strength of the design. Cap plates and waterproofing add essential protection, helping the building withstand environmental conditions. The use of extruded polystyrene insulation improves thermal efficiency, crucial for maintaining comfort in varying weather patterns.

Design Detail

The design focuses on simplicity and practicality, responding to the need for both private and community spaces while allowing for future adaptability. Outdoor terraces and well-planned interiors create an open and inviting atmosphere. The careful arrangement not only meets essential living needs but also fosters a connection to the visual beauty of the natural landscape. Every element comes together to create a balanced and functional living space.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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 Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3

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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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

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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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
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
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026

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