Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Grass Roof Habitat Integrating Wood and Biodiversity

Author:
Joe Ingea
Grass Roof Habitat Integrating Wood and Biodiversity

Project in-detail

With a green roof that enhances biodiversity and wooden structures that respond to the surrounding landscape, the design serves as a functional habitat for two residences and a painter's workshop.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes intentional gaps between structures to support local wildlife habitats.
02
Large glazed windows in the workshop provide optimal northern light for artistic work.
03
A green roof serves dual purposes of thermal insulation and promoting biodiversity.
04
Rainwater collected from the roof is treated for reuse in domestic applications.
05
Wooden materials are extensively used to enhance warmth and connection to the natural environment.

The design brings together two residential units and a workshop within a landscape, reflecting a modern approach to traditional Latvian building styles. Each component of the design is arranged in a compact formation that encourages privacy while allowing for connections among the occupants. The twisted layout creates distinct outdoor areas that protect against cold winds, enhancing comfort and usability.

Function and Layout

Unit A and Unit B serve as the living quarters, each designed with carefully considered dimensions. Unit A occupies a space of 78 sqm for both the ground and first floors, while Unit B includes a ground floor of 63 sqm and a first floor of 78 sqm. These spaces cater to various lifestyle needs, facilitating effective use of area. The workshop, independently positioned at the northern edge, covers 45 sqm and incorporates large windows facing north and northeast, allowing ample natural light ideal for creative work. The service building, forming an "L" shape with the main structure, further enhances the layout and incorporates a water tank.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an important emphasis in the design, addressed through multiple features. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the roof design, carefully arranged to maintain the building's aesthetic without blocking views. The green roof serves not only for thermal insulation but also offers benefits in sound absorption. It uses a mixture of soil, plants, and air, delivering improved acoustic performance while helping to keep the interior comfortable during both hot summers and cold winters.

Water Management and Biodiversity

The project includes an effective water management strategy, where rainwater is collected from the roof and stored for later use after treatment. This approach reflects a commitment to resource efficiency. Additionally, gaps between buildings have been designed to support local wildlife, providing habitats for bats and birds. This element connects the architecture to the environment, emphasizing ecological awareness. The grassy roof enhances visual links to the landscape, allowing the structure to integrate with nature.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The design features wood and grass as primary materials. Wood is used extensively throughout, providing not only structural integrity but also a warm aesthetic. The grassy roof replaces traditional thatch, aligning modern solutions with historical references. This choice contributes to sustainability goals and strengthens the overall design, making it responsive to environmental considerations.

The continuous grassy expanse on the roof is inviting, encouraging a relationship with the landscape while providing views of the nearby lake. The careful balance within the architecture fosters both privacy and community, allowing occupants to experience their surroundings fully.

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