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 Walls and Green Roofs with Ecosan Toilets in a Sustainable Landscape

Author:
Rosita Di Mizio
Curved Walls and Green Roofs with Ecosan Toilets in a Sustainable Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The integration of curved walls and a green roof, complemented by EcoSan toilets and a landscape of 10,000 fruit trees, creates an environmentally sustainable living space designed for off-grid functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved walls enhance both aesthetics and energy efficiency.
02
A green roof supports biodiversity and rainwater management.
03
Human waste is composted through EcoSan toilets.
04
10,000 fruit trees are planted using humanure in the surrounding landscape.
05
Gray water recovery systems repurpose water for irrigation and flushing.

The "Curved Walls - Green Roof" design stands out in its countryside setting, promoting sustainable living through a thoughtful arrangement of space and form. The modular structure features distinctive curved walls that not only add aesthetic value but also enhance the building's energy performance. Designed for off-grid living, it provides a practical solution for modern environmentally-conscious residents.

Design Concept

The design embraces a fluid form that departs from typical straight lines. Curved walls create a unique connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light and air to flow freely throughout. This approach not only fosters a welcoming atmosphere but also improves energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is central to the design, with features such as SOIL's EcoSan toilets that compost human waste. This method contributes to a circular approach to resources. In addition, the landscape integrates 10,000 fruit trees planted with humanure, creating a blend of living space and productive land. These elements together demonstrate a commitment to merging human habits with nature.

Energy and Water Systems

To ensure energy independence, the structure incorporates various renewable energy systems. Wind turbines and solar panels on the roof harness natural resources, while a solar thermal heating system provides hot water for everyday use. Water efficiency is prioritized through gray water recovery, which collects used water from sinks and showers, allowing it to be reused for irrigation and toilet flushing.

Lighting and Landscaping Strategies

Lighting design employs energy-efficient options like CFL, LED, and OLED fixtures positioned to maximize visibility without excessive energy consumption. The landscaping strategy further supports ecological responsibility, utilizing mulch from removed trees and reusing excavated materials for constructing site foundations. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the overall environment.

The building's exterior features vegetation that aids in insulation and supports local wildlife, fostering a sense of biodiversity and connection to nature. This combination of practical design and ecological sensitivity creates a unique living experience that aligns with contemporary environmental challenges.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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