Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Feather-Inspired Structure With Oak Cladding Embracing Sustainable Community Engagement

Author:
Zhang Yihan
Feather-Inspired Structure With Oak Cladding Embracing Sustainable Community Engagement

Project in-detail

With its feather-inspired form and oak cladding, the structure exemplifies a blend of biomimetic design and sustainability that fosters community engagement through observation and interaction with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Feather-inspired architectural form enhances structural performance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Oak cladding integrates natural warmth with durability in environmentally sensitive design.
03
Curved ramps and archways facilitate accessibility while echoing organic shapes found in nature.
04
Passive design elements optimize natural light and airflow, reducing energy consumption.
05
Strategic placement of observation decks fosters interaction with the surrounding landscape.

# Analytical Report on Avian Elegance

## Overview

Located near Highway 14, Avian Elegance is a biomimetic architectural design that draws inspiration from avian forms to enhance architectural functionality within a scenic landscape. The tower serves a dual purpose as a visual landmark and an observatory, inviting visitors to engage with the surrounding terrain and wildlife. The concept revolves around adaptability and aesthetics, integrating lightweight construction principles that reflect the elegance and fluid dynamics of avian structures.

## Structural and Material Integration

The tower features a combination of carefully selected materials that reflect its design intent. Oak is utilized for its strength and aesthetic warmth, complementing the structural steel framework that provides stability while maintaining a lightweight assembly. Expansive glass elements in the façade facilitate natural light flow and frame views of the landscape, creating an environment that fosters connection with nature.

Distinct structural components include a fan-shaped rest platform for visitor engagement, a cantilevered roof that enhances the sensation of spaciousness, and curved ramps and archways that promote accessibility. These elements echo the organic forms of birds in flight, with additional structural innovations such as L-shaped structures and arched cantilevers that support critical loads while maintaining aesthetic harmony.

## Biomimetic Design and Sustainability

The design draws heavily on morphological studies of avian skeletal structures, utilizing insights from bird movement to inform architectural decisions. The result is an articulation of elements that mimics the relationships found in nature, emphasizing both functionality and expressiveness. Kinetic principles derived from bird wing dynamics further enhance the visual fluidity and structural integrity of the design.

Sustainability is integral to the project, with an emphasis on natural ventilation and light to minimize energy consumption. The structure's layout harmonizes with the landscape, reinforcing the relationship between architecture and ecology while inviting a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. Through this thoughtful integration, the design not only serves as a functional space but also enriches the visitor experience, making it a significant contribution to contemporary architectural practices.

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