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 Roof Structure Featuring Lightweight Insulating Panels and Solar Integration in Desert Living

Authors:
François Parenteau, Annie Charest
Curved Roof Structure Featuring Lightweight Insulating Panels and Solar Integration in Desert Living

Project in-detail

A curved roof design incorporates lightweight insulating panels and photovoltaic cells, creating an energy-efficient living environment centered around a communal courtyard in an arid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved roof design enhances natural ventilation and solar shading.
02
Integrated photovoltaic cells optimize energy efficiency for residential use.
03
Internal courtyard fosters community interaction while maintaining privacy.
04
Use of lightweight insulating panels reduces overall structural weight.
05
Design incorporates outdoor gardens for local food production and sustainability.

## Architectural Analysis Report: House of the Future

### Overview

The House of the Future is situated in a region characterized by hot and arid conditions, integrating architectural design with the local climate and cultural context. The intent is to create a residential structure that embraces sustainable living while addressing the social frameworks of the surrounding community. Through a communal living approach, the design clusters residences in a way that enhances social interaction while maintaining individual privacy.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of the residence features a central internal courtyard that acts as a focal point, promoting natural ventilation, daylighting, and social connectivity among occupants. Surrounding this courtyard are distinct living areas, bedrooms, and service zones that enhance functionality. The organization into three separate volumes ensures optimal use of space without compromising privacy, allowing each unit to have a connection to the outdoor environment.

### Material Selection

The materiality of the House of the Future is selected to prioritize sustainability and performance. Key materials include:

- **Aluminium**: Provides structural integrity while maintaining lightness.
- **Photovoltaic Cells**: Integrated into the roofing system to maximize energy efficiency and contribute to renewable energy generation.
- **Lightweight Insulating Panels**: Offer thermal performance critical for cooling in hot climates.
- **Glass Elements**: Allow natural light penetration while retaining energy efficiency.
- **Stone and Gravel**: Used in landscaping for effective drainage and aesthetic contribution to the courtyard.

This choice of materials underscores a commitment to eco-friendly building practices and minimizes environmental impact throughout the building’s lifecycle.

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