Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Fractured Facades and Cantilevered Balconies Combined with Reinforced Concrete and Wooden Mesh in Urban Living

Authors:
Elizaveta Krotova, Diana Korostelkina, Vlada Lapteva
Fractured Facades and Cantilevered Balconies Combined with Reinforced Concrete and Wooden Mesh in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Fractured facades and cantilevered balconies highlight a thoughtful blend of reinforced concrete and wooden mesh, creating adaptable urban living spaces that seamlessly integrate with their environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a fractured facade to enhance visual interest and architectural depth.
02
Incorporates cantilevered balconies that extend living spaces into the environment.
03
Features wooden mesh elements that promote vertical greenery and biodiversity.
04
Designed with modular configurations for flexibility in unit sizes and layouts.
05
Incorporates extensive glazing to optimize natural light and foster outdoor connections.
The "Fracture Structure" architectural project represents a thoughtful and innovative approach to urban living, specifically addressing the growing need for social housing in densely populated areas. This project is meticulously designed to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of residents in San Francisco. The architecture emphasizes a modular design that is flexible and adaptable, allowing for various unit types to accommodate individual lifestyles and family structures.

At its core, the "Fracture Structure" functions as a multi-family residential complex, with its layout encouraging a sense of community among its inhabitants. Each unit is designed with an eye towards maximizing natural light and communication with outdoor spaces, which is vital for urban dwellers who often seek a connection to nature. The incorporation of extensive glazing in the building's facade not only facilitates passive solar heating but also enhances ventilation, promoting energy efficiency. The project’s design philosophy aligns with sustainable practices, striving to minimize its ecological footprint while maximizing livability.

The unique architectural strategies employed in this project set it apart from conventional residential developments. One of the key features is the fragmented facade, which varies in height and configuration throughout the structure. This approach not only adds visual interest but also allows for individual expression within the overall massing. The cantilevered balconies integrated into the design encourage outdoor living and personal space, fostering interaction with the environment while providing private areas for residents.

A significant aspect of the "Fracture Structure" is its commitment to incorporating greenery throughout the project. Green roofs, vertical gardens, and the use of permeable landscaping are essential design components that enhance biodiversity and improve air quality. This greenery serves as both a functional element—reducing stormwater runoff—and a crucial aesthetic feature, revitalizing the urban context.

Furthermore, the project provides ample communal areas designed to encourage social interaction and community engagement. Shared spaces such as lounges, terraces, and recreational facilities are thoughtfully distributed throughout the site, making it easy for residents to connect with one another. This design decision is particularly relevant in urban settings, where fostering a sense of belonging is essential for the well-being of residents.

The careful selection of materials also plays a significant role in the overall impact of the "Fracture Structure." The use of reinforced concrete as the main structural component ensures durability while allowing for the free-form shapes seen in the design. Wooden mesh elements introduce warmth and tactile quality to the project, promoting a sense of home. The thoughtful combination of concrete, wood, and glass creates a harmonious balance between the robust and the delicate, reflecting the architectural intention behind the project.

Overall, the "Fracture Structure" encapsulates contemporary architectural ideas by marrying innovative design with practical considerations. It emphasizes adaptability and sustainability while providing a framework for community interaction and social engagement. Those interested in exploring this project more deeply are encouraged to examine architectural plans, sections, and designs to appreciate the intricate details and design outcomes that make this project a notable example of modern urban architecture. Engaging with these materials will provide deeper insights into the architectural strategies and ideas that define the "Fracture Structure."
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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