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 Shelter with Water Basin and Spiral Access in a Hillside Setting

Author:
Michael Barth
Concrete Shelter with Water Basin and Spiral Access in a Hillside Setting

Project in-detail

A robust concrete structure on a hillside integrates a central water basin and a spiral staircase, offering a private living experience that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from reinforced concrete to enhance durability and sustainability.
02
Features a central water basin that serves as a focal point within the entry hall.
03
Incorporates a spiral staircase designed to maximize vertical space and flow.
04
Textured concrete surfaces promote dynamic light interactions throughout the interior.
05
Landscaping integrates seamlessly with the natural hillside, enhancing privacy and aesthetics.

### Project Overview

The *Concrete Poetry* residence is situated on a hillside outside Vienna, Austria, designed to blend with its natural surroundings. The structure, constructed entirely of concrete, reflects influences from World War II and Cold War bunkers, emphasizing strength and discretion. The architectural intent focuses on achieving a harmonious integration with the landscape while exploring the materiality of concrete to enhance the interplay of light and space within.

### Spatial Organization and Architectural Features

The internal layout divides the house into functional areas, including family leisure spaces, sleeping quarters, and communal zones, creating an organic flow throughout. A central hall features a water basin, serving as a welcoming focal point. Architectural elements include a spiral staircase that functions as both a means of circulation and a sculptural centerpiece, enhancing the vertical dimension of the interior. An incised terrace provides expansive views of the hillside, reinforcing the connection between indoor environments and the external landscape.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Reinforced concrete is the primary construction material, selected for its durability and aesthetic potential. The design allows the concrete to develop a natural patina over time, enhancing its relationship with the environment. Varied surface textures contribute to the dynamic interaction of light, producing shifting shadows and highlights that enliven both interior and exterior spaces. Landscaping plays a crucial role in softening the structure's presence, with vegetation surrounding the house to create a transitional space that merges built form with the natural environment.

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