Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cor-Ten Steel Canopies and Natural Wood Facades Enhance Coastal Living Experience

Author:
Elias Guerrero Islas
Cor-Ten Steel Canopies and Natural Wood Facades Enhance Coastal Living Experience

Project in-detail

Cor-Ten steel canopies gracefully frame expansive glass facades, creating a seamless connection to the ocean while providing sustainable living spaces designed for community engagement along the California coast.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates Cor-Ten steel canopies that naturally weather over time, enhancing the building's visual character.
02
Thermally modified ash wood is used extensively for cladding, offering durability and a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
03
An innovative rainwater harvesting system is integrated into the design, promoting water conservation throughout the property.
04
Large, strategically placed windows optimize natural light while framing unobstructed ocean views from every unit.
05
The staggered layout of the residential units fosters a sense of privacy while promoting community interaction in shared spaces.

### Project Overview
**Title:** Roots
**Location:** This project is situated in regions of Latin America and North America that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including severe weather patterns. The intent is to create a sustainable living environment through the construction of underground micro-houses, aiming to reduce ecological footprints and promote self-sufficiency within a community framework.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout
The project's design employs a circular floor plan to enhance interaction and efficiency within communal spaces. Each micro-house comprises distinct zones: a partially enclosed sleeping area for privacy, a centrally located living area for communal activities, and shared amenities designed for social gatherings and agricultural practices. This layout prioritizes both individual privacy and community engagement, fostering a sense of togetherness among residents.

### Material and Sustainability Approaches
Material selection is fundamental to the project's sustainability objectives. Primary materials include adobe brick for its thermal insulation properties, earth plaster for environmentally friendly interior finishes, and responsibly sourced wood for structural accents. The project emphasizes local sourcing of materials to minimize carbon footprints.

Sustainability strategies include the reuse of excavated soil for adobe production, the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, and the integration of a biodigester system for wastewater treatment. These elements collectively promote energy independence and environmental stewardship while encouraging residents to participate actively in community gardening initiatives. The design also features a central oculus for natural light, supplemented by adjustable artificial lighting to enhance internal ambiance.

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