Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber Frames Enhanced By Charred Shingles for Multifunctional Urban Living

Author:
Wojciech Zientek
Cross-Laminated Timber Frames Enhanced By Charred Shingles for Multifunctional Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, this multifamily development integrates flexible living spaces with sustainable design principles to address urban housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes vertical space and natural light.
04
Includes communal areas designed for co-gardening and social interaction among residents.
05
Employs rainwater harvesting systems to promote ecological resource management.

## Overview

Located near the Sydney Fish Market, ParkUPARTMENTS focuses on addressing the challenges of housing affordability in urban environments characterized by high land costs. The design strives to create a sustainable living space that maximizes the use of available land while integrating urban amenities and green areas. By prioritizing affordability through strategic planning and efficient construction methods, this initiative aims to provide diverse housing solutions suitable for a range of demographics.

## Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The architectural strategy employs a flexible building system that encourages adaptability and user-oriented spatial arrangements. The absence of load-bearing walls allows for a variety of apartment configurations, enabling residents to reconfigure their living spaces as needed. This system is complemented by communal areas designed to foster interaction among tenants, striking a balance between personal privacy and community engagement. The project incorporates multiple unit types, including nano units for singles, micro apartments for couples, and accessible spaces for individuals with disabilities, thus catering to varied lifestyles and income levels.

### Material Choice and Environmental Impact

ParkUPARTMENTS utilizes a selection of materials focused on sustainability and energy efficiency. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is employed for its structural strength and thermal performance, significantly reducing the carbon footprint during both construction and the building's operational life. Steel and concrete are used to provide necessary durability and structural support. The design incorporates environmental features such as green roofs and rainwater collection systems, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals and promoting responsible resource management.

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