Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Elevated Concrete Framework Creating Flexible Public Spaces

Authors:
Graham Crist, Nicola Garrod, Taylor Wiley
Elevated Concrete Framework Creating Flexible Public Spaces

Project in-detail

An elevated concrete framework supports a versatile incubator that prioritizes public engagement and adaptability, creating dynamic spaces for diverse community activities and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows for significant public space underneath.
02
Concrete framework provides structural stability while enabling flexible layouts.
03
Marketing suites offer views of the city, enhancing visibility for emerging projects.
04
Intended for community use, accommodating various activities and events.
05
Integration of adaptable floor plates facilitates future development needs.

The Incubator Platform Adelaide (IPA) is a thoughtful addition to the urban landscape, designed to encourage creativity and collaboration. Positioned in a vibrant city area, it functions as a flexible space for various projects, ideas, and events. The design concept revolves around a structural framework that allows for both permanent and temporary uses, adapting to the changing needs of the local community.

Structural Framework

At the core of the design is an armature that serves as the building's support structure. This minimal concrete frame establishes a solid base for permanent floor plates, creating a versatile environment that can accommodate different configurations. The framework promotes interaction among users and facilitates a dynamic space that can evolve over time.

Elevated Design Elements

The IPA features an elevated box at its upper section, which acts as a marketing suite. This element offers wide views of the city and connects users to the surrounding landscape. It enhances visibility for emerging projects while encouraging social interaction within a space designed for gatherings and events. The roof deck, in particular, encourages informal meetings among users and contributes to the overall vibrancy of the environment.

Public Engagement

Importantly, the design allocates significant ground space for public activities, creating a large area beneath the cantilevered box. This space is flexible and can host various activities, including outdoor sports, performances, and markets, making it an integral part of the city's social scene. The potential for workshops, exhibitions, and communal gardens is included in the planning, further fostering community engagement and participation.

Material Considerations

Concrete plays a central role in the IPA's construction, chosen for its strength and straightforward appearance. This material supports the functional requirements of the building while enabling adaptations in future design updates. The use of concrete conveys a sense of stability, grounding the structure within the urban context and aligning with the goal of creating a functional space.

The cantilevered design creates a noticeable visual interest, casting varying shadows that change throughout the day. These features enhance the public space below, making it a lively area that reflects the building's purpose of innovation and cooperation.

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