Get inspired!

17,211 architecture projects

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

Cork Insulation and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Living in Harmonious Timber Dwelling

Authors:
Lars Vennix, Jurre Derks
Cork Insulation and Vertical Gardens Enhance Sustainable Living in Harmonious Timber Dwelling

Project in-detail

Incorporating cork insulation and vertical gardens, this timber dwelling seamlessly integrates with its environment while providing a flexible living space designed for community engagement and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens within the exterior, promoting biodiversity and enhancing air quality.
02
Utilizes cork insulation for superior thermal performance and environmental sustainability.
03
Features sliding facades that adapt for seasonal climate control and ventilation.
04
Employs locally sourced maritime pine throughout to minimize transportation impacts.
05
Design prioritizes flexible, multifunctional spaces to encourage community interaction.
Casa Pinus Pinaster is an architectural project located in Vale do Moçambique, designed to fuse gracefully with its natural surroundings while focusing on sustainability and functionality. This dwelling aims to create an environment that offers comfort and connection to nature through thoughtful design and local material usage.

The primary function of Casa Pinus Pinaster is to serve as a residence that accommodates various activities, promoting both private living and social engagement. The structure is composed of two interconnected volumes featuring distinct programs, with a strong emphasis on flexibility within its design. Large windows enhance natural light while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, promoting a harmonious relationship with the environment.

Sustainable Materiality and Construction Techniques

The architecture of Casa Pinus Pinaster is characterized by the use of locally sourced materials that reflect the ecological context. Key materials include maritime pine shingles for roofing, expanded insulation corkboard for thermal efficiency, and maritime pine plywood for finishes, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic and ecological footprint. The incorporation of cork wall finishes and a vertical garden formed with Corkwave enhances both the interior acoustics and promotes biodiversity, aligning with contemporary ecological practices.

The highest consideration was given to environmental impact through design initiatives that incorporate systems such as rainwater harvesting and biogas composting toilets. These solutions not only reduce dependency on external resources but also promote self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Adaptive and Flexible Living Spaces

Casa Pinus Pinaster emphasizes an adaptive approach in living spaces, designed to transition effortlessly between indoor and outdoor environments. The layout consists of a sleeping zone and a yoga area, with shared outdoor decks that invite interaction and promote a communal lifestyle while maintaining privacy. Seasonal adaptability is intrinsic to the design, as sliding facades respond dynamically to changing climatic conditions, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.

This approach to spatial organization encourages integration with the outdoor landscape while prioritizing user flexibility, reflecting a departure from traditional fixed layouts often found in residential designs.

The considerations surrounding the architecture of Casa Pinus Pinaster demonstrate practical and innovative thinking, emphasizing sustainability, usability, and harmony with nature. For more detailed insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, explore the presentation materials to understand the full scope of ideas at play.
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 17,211 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