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Dark Stone and Glass Shelter Integrated with the Mountainous Terrain

Dark Stone and Glass Shelter Integrated with the Mountainous Terrain
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Constructed from dark stone and strategically placed glass, the design seamlessly merges with its mountainous surroundings while providing a communal shelter that fosters social engagement in an extreme climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced dark stone, reinforcing geological integration.
02
Features large vaulted arches for structural strength and maximizing natural light.
03
Design includes communal areas that encourage interaction among occupants.
04
Strategically placed glass elements bridge interior and exterior landscapes.
05
Thermal mass utilized to enhance energy efficiency in a cold climate.

### Overview

"In Optimum" is situated in a remote landscape characterized by expansive snowfields and mountainous terrain. The design aims to harmonize with its natural context while addressing both functional and aesthetic requirements. The structure is conceived to foster a contemplative relationship between human habitation and the surrounding environment, reflecting principles of sustainability, locality, and simple elegance.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The predominant use of dark stone as a primary material contributes to the building's identity and functionality. This material not only provides thermal mass essential for colder climates but also establishes a tactile connection to the local geology. Reinforcing this choice, concrete is utilized in structural elements for durability, while glass is strategically incorporated to enhance natural lighting and facilitate a visual connection with the outdoors. Such material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and a focus on minimizing the ecological footprint through the use of local resources.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The design features a series of large vaulted arches, instilling a sense of volume and inviting natural light, which enhances the internal atmosphere. The floor plan incorporates dedicated areas for communal activities, equipment maintenance, and entry transitions, ensuring a functional and adaptable environment. The interior's illuminated elements and spaciousness create an inviting ambiance, encouraging exploration and reflection. This thoughtful spatial arrangement is intended to support social interactions and facilitate a seamless user experience amidst the challenges of the natural landscape.

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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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 18 September 2025
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
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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
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Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
Concrete 
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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