Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Corten Cladding and Natural Light in a Wellness-Focused Community Space

Author:
Luca Compri
Corten Cladding and Natural Light in a Wellness-Focused Community Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with Corten cladding and designed to maximize natural light, the community space integrates wellness features and inclusive pathways, offering a harmonious environment for residents and visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten cladding provides durable weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
02
The design includes dedicated pathways for operators and guests to enhance accessibility.
03
Natural light is integrated throughout to support wellness and comfort.
04
Sustainable features include a rainwater collection system and photovoltaic panels.
05
The layout promotes interaction with outdoor elements through fitness and leisure areas.

The architectural design is situated within a natural landscape, balancing built environments with their surroundings to create a focus on community and wellness. It includes various functions, such as residential, wellness, and operational spaces. The overall design concept emphasizes accessibility and connection to nature, resulting in a layout that encourages user interaction and engagement.

Base Architecture and Layout

The foundation of the design consists of a sturdy base architecture that defines the project’s character. This structure features compressive and cutting elements, which shape both the function and appearance of the buildings. Notable components include the Operator House, which facilitates administrative tasks, and the Guest House, providing a serene retreat that connects visually with the scenic views. The Spa is carefully designed with a variety of wellness features, promoting health and relaxation while encouraging active engagement among users.

Pathways and Accessibility

A system of pathways connects the site, with specific routes for operators, guests, and individuals with disabilities. These pathways reflect an intent to foster inclusivity, allowing easy movement across the space. The arrangement invites exploration, creating opportunities for users to interact with the landscape and each other. This thoughtful design approach helps to build a sense of community and accessibility throughout the area.

Elevations and Environmental Considerations

The building elevations are designed to maximize natural light and airflow while considering seasonal changes. Each elevation—facing East, West, North, and South—has been created to deliver privacy and protection while enhancing the space's visual quality. Environmental features, such as systems for collecting rainwater and panels for generating solar power, support sustainability goals. These elements are not merely functional but contribute to the ecological design ethos of the project.

Material Selection

Material choices play a critical role in the overall design. Elements such as aluminum crankcases and wood finish panels offer strength and durability while maintaining visual appeal. Mechanical technical blinds and aluminum-wood profiles also enhance both the functionality and coherence of the architecture. Ventilated curtain walls and Corten closers contribute to both the style and the sustainability of the structure, reinforcing the commitment to responsible design.

The design showcases a clear connection between indoor environments and the natural landscape outside. Natural light flows into the interiors, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that encourages a harmonious relationship between the spaces and their 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