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 Living Spaces Featuring Recycled Plastic Panels and Plywood Construction

Author:
Tommaso Zanini
Elevated Living Spaces Featuring Recycled Plastic Panels and Plywood Construction

Project in-detail

Utilizing an elevated design with plywood construction and recycled plastic panels, this residence offers a sustainable solution to flood resilience while maximizing adaptable living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living spaces provide protection against flooding while maintaining accessibility.
02
Recycled plastic panels integrate sustainability into the structural design.
03
Flexibility in interior layout allows for dynamic use of space throughout the day.
04
Green roofs enhance biodiversity and offer opportunities for urban agriculture.
05
Plywood sandwich panels deliver insulation and structural strength in a lightweight form.

The project titled "Upside Down" presents an innovative architectural solution designed to address flooding concerns while maximizing space efficiency. This residential building is strategically elevated, repositioning traditional living areas above potential flood levels. The resultant design integrates flexible living spaces tailored for various activities throughout the day, emphasizing adaptability in urban environments.

Unique Design Approaches The "Upside Down" project incorporates a distinctive approach to space utilization and functionality. By inverting the conventional layout, the design elevates the core living areas, allowing the ground floor to serve as a water-resistant buffer. This arrangement not only protects inhabitants from rising waters but also provides opportunities for multifunctional use of the elevated space. The open floor plan allows residents to reconfigure their environment easily, facilitating both private and communal activities.

Another key aspect of the design is the integration of sustainable practices, notably the use of recycled materials. The application of recycled plastic panels in conjunction with plywood sandwich panels demonstrates a commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint. Moreover, the incorporation of a gravity-fed rainwater collection system enables efficient water management, emphasizing self-sufficiency and resource conservation in the architectural framework.

Sustainable Material Selection The strategic selection of materials enhances the functionality and sustainability of the project. Plywood sandwich panels form the structural backbone, providing insulation and durability. Thermo-acoustic insulation installed within walls assists in maintaining comfortable interior climates. The inclusion of clay for surrounding elements offers weather-resistant properties, while wood adds a natural aesthetic to the living spaces.

Each component of the design reflects a careful consideration of how materials can contribute to the overall resilience of the structure. Additionally, green roofs and terraces support urban agriculture, promoting ecological sustainability and allowing residents to engage with their environment meaningfully.

Explore the project’s architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a deeper understanding of "Upside Down" and its innovative approach to contemporary architectural challenges. Delve into the unique architectural ideas that underpin this project and see how they offer practical solutions for living in harmony with changing environmental conditions.

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

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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
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