Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Elliptical Glass Façade with Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility

Elliptical Glass Façade with Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
An elliptical glass façade, integrated photovoltaic systems, and a focus on sustainable water management define a cutting-edge laboratory dedicated to advancing research in life sciences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features an elliptical form that enhances natural light and movement throughout the facility.
02
Integrated photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute to the building's energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
03
Sustainable water management systems incorporate features like biofiltration to support the surrounding landscape.
04
Collaborative spaces designed for flexibility encourage interdisciplinary interactions among researchers.
05
A transparent glass façade establishes visual connectivity between indoor laboratories and the external environment.

### Architectural Design Report: Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building, Humboldt University, Berlin

#### Overview
The Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building at Humboldt University in Berlin provides a state-of-the-art facility for the Life Sciences department. Its design reflects a commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research while being thoughtfully integrated into the urban environment. This structure aims to support the advancement of scientific inquiry through a cohesive architectural narrative.

#### Conceptual Framework
The architectural concept draws inspiration from the theme of water, symbolizing its essential role in life sciences as well as its characteristics of adaptability and connectivity. This theme permeates the design, facilitating the free flow of ideas and collaboration across different research disciplines.

#### Materiality and Design Elements
A diverse palette of materials reinforces the building's thematic narrative. The predominant use of glass enhances transparency, maximizing natural light and providing views of the surrounding landscape. Concrete features lend structural integrity while contrasting with the lightness of the glass. Sustainability is woven into the design through the incorporation of photovoltaic elements on the roof, which harness solar energy, as well as various water management systems that contribute to energy regulation.

The building is characterized by its elliptical form, which reflects organic biological shapes and fosters circulation among users. The spatial organization comprises flexible work areas that can be connected or isolated as needed, encouraging spontaneous interactions among researchers. Extensive landscaping further enriches the environment, with gardens and seating areas that enhance user experience and well-being.

Functionally, the building combines open and enclosed spaces to support a range of activities, from focused research to collaborative discussions. Natural light floods the open stairwell, serving as both a circulation route and a social hub, effectively embodying the communal aspect of scientific endeavors.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 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

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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 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
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
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
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

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
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy