Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Green Roofs and Bay Windows Integrate Community Living in Urban Habitat

Author:
Arseny Boronenkov
Green Roofs and Bay Windows Integrate Community Living in Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Bay windows and green roofs provide inviting communal spaces in a mixed-use apartment neighborhood designed to foster interaction and connectivity among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bay windows provide extended views and natural light for residents.
02
Green roofs create quiet outdoor spaces that reduce urban noise.
03
Grid layout encourages diverse social living arrangements.
04
Shared amenities include a winter garden and coworking spaces.
05
Designed to house 1,080 residents in a cohesive community.

The design at 256-8 Foundry Ave aims to create a mixed-use apartment neighborhood that meets the need for affordable housing in an area experiencing increasing residential density. It integrates various functions, including homes, workspaces, and communal areas, promoting a sense of community. The overall concept emphasizes connectivity and accessibility, ensuring that spaces for living and socializing are closely related and easily navigable.

Community Interaction

The layout incorporates a variety of functional elements, such as apartments, offices, guest parking, and public spaces. These features work together to foster engagement among residents. By offering diverse areas for social activities, the design encourages interactions, both among neighbors and between residents and visitors. Clear pathways lead through the development, making movement straightforward.

Residential Layout

A grid formation defines the arrangement of residential units. This approach allows for different living types, catering to individuals, couples, and shared living situations. The average storey height has been carefully chosen to bring a sense of scale and personalization. This design detail prevents the feeling of alienation often found in larger developments and enhances community ties among residents.

Architectural Elements

Architectural features include stairs with bay windows of varying lengths, which add depth and character to the facades. These elements invite natural light and offer views of the surroundings. The roofs are green and designed to provide quiet outdoor spaces, offering an escape from the hustle of urban life. By incorporating greenery, the design also helps improve the local environment.

Shared Amenities

The project includes several shared facilities, such as a winter garden, teahouse, library, coworking spaces, and gym. These areas are intended to be gathering spots for residents, encouraging social interaction and collaboration. The placement and design of these amenities enhance the community feel of the neighborhood, making it easier for people to come together.

Every element of this development is crafted with the goal of improving life for the 1,080 future residents. The thoughtful mix of public spaces and communal activities contributes to a lively atmosphere, adding to the richness of the urban experience.

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