Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Geothermal Efficiency with Green Roofs in Urban Living

Authors:
Arianna Rosina, Camilla Bonetti, Armand florin Duia
Geothermal Efficiency with Green Roofs in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating geothermal probes and green roofs, the development promotes energy efficiency while offering adaptable residential spaces in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates geothermal probes for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Features multifunctional winter gardens that expand living space.
03
Offers customization options, including colored windows for personalization.
04
Integrates green roofs to support local biodiversity and air quality.
05
Promotes direct ground floor access to improve accessibility for residents.

The New Alexandra Road Estate is a residential development located in Camden, London. It introduces a modern approach to urban living through its emphasis on flexibility and sustainability. The design is based on the concept of Microsurgery Architecture, which values efficiency and quality in its implementation. This approach aims to create living spaces that can adapt to the diverse needs of residents while connecting them with their environment.

Position Flexibility

A notable feature of the design is its focus on position flexibility. Block B offers direct access from the ground floor, enhancing ease of entry for all residents. This layout eliminates common barriers often found in traditional housing. It is designed to accommodate various living arrangements, allowing residents to adjust their spaces according to individual needs and preferences.

Indoor Flexibility

Indoor spaces are intentionally designed to be flexible as well. Multifunctional areas support changing requirements over time. For example, the winter garden acts as both an indoor garden and an extension of the living room. This design choice encourages interaction with nature, as well as providing additional living space when needed. The transition between indoor and outdoor areas promotes a fresh living environment.

Sustainable Energy Solutions

Sustainability is an important aspect of the estate’s overall design. Solar panels and geothermal probes are incorporated to enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. These systems work together to reduce the energy needed for daily living. Green roofs are also a key component, as they help improve air quality and support local wildlife.

Customization and Community Integration

Customization is a central theme in the design, with options available for residents to personalize their spaces. Colored windows, for instance, allow for individual expression and add variety to the facade. The project integrates well with the surrounding community by encouraging connections among residents. Greenery from the nearby park blends seamlessly with the estate, creating a harmonious relationship between the buildings and the landscape.

The New Alexandra Road Estate exemplifies a thoughtful design approach that prioritizes both functionality and environmental awareness. Each element is crafted to enhance daily living, creating spaces that are comfortable and responsive to the needs of their inhabitants.

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