Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Double-Skin Facade with Mass Timber and Community Integration

Author:
Miles Henry
Double-Skin Facade with Mass Timber and Community Integration

Project in-detail

A double-skin facade made of glass and photovoltaic panels envelops a mass timber structure, creating a community-focused environment that incorporates public amenities and sustainable living spaces in an urban Toronto setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
A double-skin facade enhances thermal performance and natural ventilation.
02
Community amenities are integrated into a double-height concrete podium.
03
Mass timber structure supports up to ten residential stories.
04
The rooftop features a photovoltaic canopy that captures rainwater for reuse.
05
Flexible unit arrangements respond to diverse household needs and sunlight access.

The Gridshell House is located in an urban area of Toronto, designed to turn vacant sites into spaces that serve the community. Focusing on sustainability, the design uses mass timber construction and prefabrication techniques. The main idea is to create a living environment that combines private residential spaces with shared community amenities, fostering connections among residents.

Facade and Thermal Performance

The building features a double skin facade made from prefabricated glass and photovoltaic panels that enclose a mass timber structure. This design improves thermal performance by providing insulation during colder months while allowing fresh air to circulate when it’s warm. The operable windows are positioned to promote cross-ventilation, which helps maintain comfortable indoor conditions and improves air quality.

Public Amenities and Ground Floor Design

On the ground floor, a double-height concrete podium serves as a base for community services, including grocery stores, cafes, libraries, and bike rental and repair shops. This design is meant to engage the public and provide essential services right where people live. The height of the podium allows for the option of a mezzanine level, reflecting the project's flexibility to meet changing community needs.

Residential Configuration and Spatial Optimization

Residential units are arranged above the podium with wedge-like shapes to maximize sunlight access from the south, aiding in passive heating. These units use prefabricated demising walls, allowing for various configurations to suit different household sizes and preferences. Circulation corridors include necessary service spaces like kitchens, gyms, and lounges, which promote social interaction among residents while ensuring adequate daylight fills the interior spaces.

Rooftop Community Space

The roof functions as a community garden and gathering area, equipped with a photovoltaic canopy that captures rainwater for reuse. This aspect addresses sustainability in water management. A greenhouse on the roof allows for year-round gardening, while designated spaces for barbecues and social gatherings encourage residents to come together outdoors. The design of the roof reinforces community bonds, making it a central point for social activities.

The overall architecture, with its thoughtful facade and roof design, blends well with the surrounding urban environment. The careful spacing between residential units ensures privacy for residents while allowing ample light to enter the living spaces.

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