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 Observatory Tower with Sunpipes for Enhanced Community Engagement

Authors:
Riccardo Renzi, Elena Ceccarelli, Virginia Vivona, Diego Betti
Geothermal Observatory Tower with Sunpipes for Enhanced Community Engagement

Project in-detail

At the heart of the design lies a geothermal observatory tower, which utilizes sunpipes to optimize natural light while serving as a community hub for exploration and learning.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geothermal heating and cooling systems enhance energy efficiency.
02
Sunpipes provide optimal natural lighting throughout the building.
03
Observatory tower facilitates night-time celestial observations.
04
Flexible spaces accommodate diverse community activities.
05
Green roof design promotes stormwater management.

The design brings together functionality, accessibility, and sustainability in an urban setting. The layout is carefully organized to facilitate movement for both public visitors and private users. The focus on incorporating natural light and creating spaces for community interaction creates an environment that fosters well-being for its occupants.

Access and Circulation

Clearly defined paths guide movement throughout the space. Pedestrian streets and designated parking for cars and buses are thoughtfully arranged to promote safe transit. These access points help reduce traffic and enhance safety. The careful planning makes navigation intuitive, allowing visitors to move freely within the area.

Functional Diversity

The design includes various functional spaces that cater to different activities. There are external courts, an information center, coworking areas, private offices, meeting rooms, and an observatory. This range of functions allows for flexible use of the building, making it adaptable to various needs. Open areas encourage social engagement and bring people together, highlighting the intention to foster a sense of community.

Sustainable Strategies

Sustainability is a key feature of the design. The project incorporates energy-efficient strategies to minimize environmental impact. For instance, specific plans for solar exposure consider seasonal changes, helping to optimize energy use. Geothermal pipes are included for heating and cooling, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. This design thoughtfully addresses energy efficiency while enhancing comfort for users.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials is an important aspect of the design. Sunpipes, made with triple glass and thermal break aluminum, maximize natural light in the space. A green roof is designed to manage stormwater effectively, contributing to better insulation. Prefabricated concrete panels are used for the facade, offering structural efficiency as well as thermal benefits. These materials work together to create a cohesive and functional building.

The observatory serves as a central point for community engagement, inviting visitors to connect with their surroundings and observe celestial events. This focus on interaction with nature enhances the overall experience and emphasizes the project's commitment to creating meaningful spaces within an urban context.

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