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 Shelters Built from Reeds and Steel for Fishing Communities

Floating Shelters Built from Reeds and Steel for Fishing Communities
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated on stilts and constructed with local reeds and steel, the design addresses the unique housing needs of fishing communities, providing sustainable shelter adapted to the surrounding aquatic environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for customizable configurations based on family size and community needs.
02
Structures are elevated on stilts to mitigate flood risks and enhance environmental resilience.
03
Locally sourced reeds provide insulation and aesthetic appeal, integrating with the natural surroundings.
04
The design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
05
Natural ventilation strategies enhance indoor air quality while reducing energy demands.

### Overview

Hot Fish Home is a residential project designed to address the housing needs of fishermen in the northern lakes of Egypt, specifically around Lakes Burullus, Al-Manzala, and Edko. It aims to offer a sustainable living environment for communities facing socio-economic and environmental challenges due to informal settlements. The design prioritizes affordability, flexibility, and adaptability, recognizing the precarious living conditions of the target population.

### Design and Materiality

The project features modular units configured as half-cubes and full cubes, optimized for customization based on community needs. This modular architecture facilitates expansions and contractions, accommodating varying family sizes and dynamics within the fishing community.

The structural framework utilizes steel to ensure durability while maintaining a low environmental impact. Locally sourced reeds are employed for cladding, enhancing thermal efficiency. The design incorporates double-glazed glass panels for insulation and natural light. Renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic panels on the roof, support household energy requirements, while rainwater harvesting systems enable efficient water management. The choice of materials and design elements aims to resonate with the natural surroundings, promoting longevity and environmental compatibility.

### Unique Features

The floating architecture elevates the dwellings on stilts, allowing for unobstructed water flow beneath and minimizing land disruption. This feature fosters a sustainable relationship with the surrounding aquatic environment.

Adaptability is a key characteristic of the Hot Fish Home, enabling ease of assembly and disassembly, which allows structures to be relocated or modified according to community needs. Furthermore, integrated systems for waste management and recycling are designed to reduce ecological impact, while natural ventilation and cooling panels in the roof design help to mitigate dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

The layout includes communal spaces such as clinics, cafes, and play areas, promoting community interaction and resource sharing. The modular design supports both residential and commercial functions, which is essential for enhancing local economic resilience without the need for new construction.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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 York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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