Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Empowerment Through Crystals in Spaces of Self-Discovery

Authors:
Ali Baghizadeh, Aramdokht Jabbari
Empowerment Through Crystals in Spaces of Self-Discovery

Project in-detail

Grounded in the metaphor of crystal formation, the design fosters spaces for self-discovery and empowerment, connecting individuals to their personal journeys while serving as a community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design prominently incorporates a metaphor of crystal growth to symbolize resilience.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber enhances structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic and improve weather resistance.
04
The bent A-frame structure creates dynamic interior spaces that encourage exploration.
05
Self-discovery themes are woven into the layout, guiding users through personal journeys.

The design embodies themes of resilience and empowerment, articulating a narrative that connects the natural formation of crystals to the human journey of overcoming challenges. It focuses on the personal journeys of individuals, particularly women, who work to reclaim their identities in a world filled with expectation. This emphasis on agency shapes a space that encourages reflection and engagement with themes of courage and individuality.

Conceptual Framework

The project draws on the idea that resilience is created under pressure, similar to the way diamonds form deep within the earth. This metaphor serves as an essential part of the design, avoiding fantasy elements and emphasizing real-life experiences. The approach encourages occupants to perceive and define their lives on their own terms, transforming personal narratives into reflective experiences within the space.

Spatial Arrangement

The spatial layout highlights an interplay of form and movement, symbolizing growth and self-discovery. Each element is purposefully positioned to create a pathway that guides visitors through different stages of identity exploration. The design promotes interaction between individuals and their environment, reinforcing the journey of self-discovery.

Architectural Language

The architecture reflects a modern tactic for addressing issues related to persecution and identity. It opens up a conversation between historical contexts and current relevance. The overall structure and arrangement of spaces are cohesive, supporting the themes of courage and autonomy while maintaining clear functionality within the design.

Materials and Details

While specific materials are not mentioned in the presentation, the design implies a selection that aligns with its themes. The aesthetic consists of clarity and coherence, where each architectural feature contributes meaningfully. Attention to detail is evident in the way spatial dimensions and forms relate to the experiences being represented, resulting in a design that transcends mere functionality and becomes a setting for reflection.

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