Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cork Cladding and Glulam Structure Enhancing Modular Living in Natural Settings

Author:
Matteo Casaburi
Cork Cladding and Glulam Structure Enhancing Modular Living in Natural Settings
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing cork cladding and a glulam framework, the design achieves a lightweight yet sturdy structure that fosters modular living in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork cladding provides enhanced thermal insulation and moisture resistance.
02
Glulam beams allow for a lightweight structure without sacrificing stability.
03
Flexible interior spaces can be easily adapted to changing user needs.
04
Incorporation of birdhouses into the façade promotes local biodiversity.
05
Elevated design minimizes ground disruption and preserves the surrounding ecosystem.

Cork A is a contemporary architectural project that embodies a sustainable design ethos while providing a versatile living environment. Focused on integrating with its surrounding landscape, this architecture project utilizes environmentally friendly materials and innovative design strategies. The project emphasizes a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling occupants to experience their environment fully.

The structure features a distinctive A-frame design that optimizes both aesthetic appeal and functionality. This approach allows for efficient use of space, with a modular layout designed to accommodate varying living arrangements. The incorporation of large windows and operable louvers highlights the relationship with nature, allowing natural light to permeate the interior while providing effective ventilation.

Sustainable Material Choices

One of the defining features of Cork A is its resolution to prioritize sustainability through material selection. The primary material, cork, is celebrated for its thermal insulation properties and eco-friendliness. The choice of glued laminated timber enhances structural integrity while maintaining an overall lightweight design. Concrete is used sparingly for foundational elements, contributing to minimal environmental disruption.

Unique aspects of the project include the flexible living areas that can adapt to different user needs. The innovative shading configurations provide adaptability, allowing inhabitants to control light and reduce energy consumption effectively. This design approach stands out among conventional projects by not only meeting functional needs but also promoting user engagement with the surrounding landscape.

Integration with Nature

Cork A’s design thoughtfully incorporates outdoor living spaces, with balcony terraces enhancing the connection with nature. The elevated structure minimizes site disruption and preserves vegetation beneath. Furthermore, features such as birdhouses integrated into the façade reflect a commitment to promoting biodiversity. The project’s configuration encourages harmonization with its environment, allowing users to foster a sense of community while enjoying personal privacy.

Cork A demonstrates a comprehensive architectural approach that balances functionality with sustainability. The project showcases modular adaptability, ecological materiality, and an intrinsic link to nature. For further insights into the project’s architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of the project.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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

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

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
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 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