Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Floating Residences Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Coastal Living

Floating Residences Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Coastal Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, these modular floating units provide sustainable and adaptable housing solutions to communities facing the challenges of rising sea levels.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated timber for enhanced durability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes structural integrity and space efficiency.
04
Utilizes an innovative rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
05
Adaptable interior layouts allow for flexible use tailored to resident needs.

## Overview and Context

Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, the project addresses the urgent challenges posed by climate change, particularly in coastal regions susceptible to rising sea levels. The proposal consists of modular housing units designed to adapt to the evolving needs of residents while prioritizing sustainability. These floating modular structures serve as viable alternatives to traditional land-based homes, catering to the needs of a significant percentage of the global population residing in coastal areas.

## Spatial Configuration and User Adaptability

The design features a modular system comprising distinct units for Living Quarters, Private Quarters, and Transitional Modules, allowing for flexibility in how spaces are utilized. Each module is equipped with multifunctional elements; for example, the Living Quarter includes adaptable furniture such as folding tables to optimize space for diverse activities, from cooking to socializing. The Private Quarter is designed with a retractable bed to facilitate easy transformation of the space based on daily requirements, while the Transitional Module features a staircase that doubles as a social seating area, encouraging community interaction.

## Sustainability and Material Choices

The project emphasizes sustainable living through innovative systems and material selection. Key components include a mass timber frame, recognized for its strength and environmental benefits, and moisture-resistant insulation boards that contribute to energy efficiency. A rainscreen facade with tapering cassette designs offers climate adaptability and protection from environmental elements. Additionally, the integration of operable windows and skylights enhances natural ventilation and daylight, improving the overall living experience. Rainwater harvesting systems are incorporated to ensure water sustainability, a crucial aspect of supporting residents in flood-prone contexts. The collaboration with local builders reinforces community ties, justifying the project’s relevance in promoting local employment and cultural affinity.

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