Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Curved Green Terraces with Integrated Solar Solutions in Affordable Housing

Authors:
Abdellah El moudden, Manjusha S
Curved Green Terraces with Integrated Solar Solutions in Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

The innovative use of meandering green terraces and a single skin façade featuring dense vegetation highlights a commitment to sustainability and community engagement in the development of affordable housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates dense vegetation in curving patterns that serve as resident balconies.
02
Solar panels are integrated into the southern-facing terraces for energy efficiency.
03
The project features designated community spaces like gardens, cycling areas, and a pet park.
04
Adaptive reuse of a parking garage maximizes existing infrastructure for residential use.
05
Stepped planning enhances natural light and provides expansive views of the ocean and city.

Curvscape is located at the Westfield UTC Shopping Center in San Diego, California. The aim is to convert an existing parking garage, built in 2010, into an affordable housing complex using a two-phase development approach. The design combines sustainable practices with urban living, creating a space that fosters community and addresses housing needs.

Concept and Design Features

The design features a single skin façade that wraps around the building. This façade includes dense vegetation arranged in curving patterns. These curves not only offer an appealing look but also create balconies for residents. The design connects the inside and outside, encouraging interaction with nature and enhancing the overall living experience.

Target Demographics and Accessibility

Curvscape focuses on a varied demographic including individuals over 50, families, and singles. The layout is designed to support these different groups by providing community amenities. Its location near shopping centers and schools makes it accessible and convenient for residents, further promoting a positive living environment.

Amenities and Organization

The structure consists of multiple levels, ranging from 1 to 55. Key amenities include a swimming pool situated on the 14th level and a bus transit area on the ground floor. The amenity space on level 6 features community gardens, cycling facilities, and a pet park, emphasizing the importance of outdoor leisure and community engagement.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The stepped design allows for ample daylight and offers views of the surrounding area. Solar panels on the green roof contribute to the building's energy efficiency. This focus on renewable energy reflects a commitment to environmentally friendly practices in urban housing.

Lush terraces with sunny exposures enhance the livability of the space, providing a calm refuge amid the urban setting.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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