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 Structure with Solar-Powered Glass and Sustainable Wood Integration in a Community Hub

Authors:
Julia Wiśniewska, Jakub Osowski
Curved Structure with Solar-Powered Glass and Sustainable Wood Integration in a Community Hub

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and expansive glass that optimize natural light, the community hub embodies sustainable design principles while fostering social interaction through its innovative spiral layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with renewable cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that facilitates natural ventilation throughout the space.
04
Surrounding gardens serve as both educational tools and sources of local produce.
05
Solar panels integrated into the roof provide energy sustainability for the community hub.

The Spiral Center is a community-oriented architectural project located within the Spiral Ecological Village, designed to promote social interaction and sustainability. The architectural concept revolves around a spiral layout that facilitates movement while creating a sense of unity among its users. The building functions as a communal hub, housing meeting rooms, educational spaces, and areas for physical activities, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding agricultural landscape.

Sustainable Design Principles
This project features a design that prioritizes sustainability through various strategies. The use of renewable materials such as wood and stone lays a strong foundation both structurally and aesthetically. The incorporation of solar panels atop the building emphasizes the commitment to renewable energy, allowing for efficient energy usage. Rainwater collection systems and passive cooling techniques enhance the building's environmental performance, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The spiral configuration not only holds symbolic significance but also promotes natural ventilation and light access throughout the center.

Integration with Nature
A key aspect of the Spiral Center is its relationship with the landscape. Surrounded by community gardens and agricultural areas, the architecture integrates outdoor spaces that serve educational purposes while promoting local biodiversity. The careful placement of windows and open areas ensures natural light permeates the interior, fostering a connection between the inner and outer environments. The green roofs and garden spaces contribute to cooling and aesthetic value, blending architecture with nature seamlessly.

Community-Centric Approach
The architectural design emphasizes inclusivity and participation among community members. Spaces within the center are meticulously arranged to encourage collaboration and interaction. Flexible areas accommodate various functions, supporting gatherings, workshops, and cultural events. The circular design inherently invites all users to feel at ease, promoting a welcoming atmosphere that strengthens communal bonds.

For a more in-depth understanding of this project, consider exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas associated with The Spiral Center, which illustrate its thoughtful approach to communal architecture and sustainability.

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