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 Steel Canopies Merging With Local Rock Formations in Sustainable Residential Footprint

Authors:
Valerio Alberto Morabito, Jannah Awsam Mohamad Ahmed Hassanein, Hams Hesham Ashraf Mohsen Yehia Elkady, Hagar Aymn Mohamed El Said Shoaib
Corten Steel Canopies Merging With Local Rock Formations in Sustainable Residential Footprint

Project in-detail

Crafted from Corten steel and local rock, the design seamlessly integrates sustainable materials with the landscape to create a functional residential space that enhances the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with local rock, the façade blends with the surrounding geology.
02
Corten steel canopies provide weather resistance while enhancing visual texture.
03
Integrated courtyards promote natural ventilation and biophilic interaction.
04
A fragmented design mimics the topography, establishing a dynamic silhouette.
05
Extensive use of sustainable glass optimizes energy efficiency and light quality.

## Project Overview
Situated within a rugged terrain characterized by dramatic vistas, the design promotes an integration of architectural elements with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing environmental responsibility and aesthetic coherence. Drawing inspiration from local geological features, the intent is to create a structure that reflects the dynamic interplay of natural forces while utilizing sustainable practices and materials.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design employs fragmented geometric forms that reflect the complexity of the site’s topography, avoiding a monolithic silhouette. Integrated courtyards enhance the spatial experience by inviting natural light and fostering interaction with the environment, thereby facilitating a connection between occupants and the landscape. Strategic placement of openings frames significant views, allowing for meaningful engagement with the surroundings. The design includes diverse programmatic zones such as garages, equipment storage, and recreational areas, which support varied activities while maintaining harmony with the site.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selected materials are integral to the structure’s sustainability narrative and rooted in the local context. Locally sourced rocks serve as exterior cladding, their natural textures and colors reflecting the region's geological diversity. Corten steel is employed for its durability and low maintenance, developing a protective oxide layer that complements the rocky surroundings. Additionally, sustainable glass is utilized extensively throughout the design, enhancing energy efficiency with low-emissivity coatings that optimize thermal performance. This material choice not only emphasizes the project’s commitment to sustainability but also enhances its visual and tactile connection to the landscape.

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

`

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