Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Green Roofs and Coated Glass Elevate Community Spaces Built with Reclaimed Timber

Authors:
Paul Cooksey, Nelize Van wyk, Ben Wesley, Anna Braunack myer
Green Roofs and Coated Glass Elevate Community Spaces Built with Reclaimed Timber

Project in-detail

Nestled beneath an expansive green roof, the community hub combines coated glass and reclaimed timber to create versatile spaces that foster creativity and collaboration among local residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a green roof, enhancing insulation and promoting local biodiversity.
02
Coated glass panels offer natural lighting while maintaining energy efficiency throughout the building.
03
Reclaimed timber is used extensively, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and resource conservation.
04
Dedicated creative workshop spaces foster collaboration among local artisans and community members.
05
Public courtyards are integrated into the layout, encouraging outdoor gatherings and social interaction.
The project at hand is a community hub designed to serve the residents of a suburb in Adelaide, Australia. This architectural endeavor embodies the principles of community engagement, sustainability, and adaptive reuse. It seeks to enhance local connections while providing functional spaces that accommodate an array of activities suited to diverse needs. By repurposing an existing building scheduled for demolition, the project not only conserves resources but also revitalizes the area, promoting a stronger sense of place among its inhabitants.

At its core, this community hub represents a collaborative space dedicated to serving the needs of its users. The architecture of the building reflects a commitment to inclusivity, creating environments where people can work, gather, and engage with one another. It encompasses a variety of functional areas, including workspace configurations suitable for both collaborative projects and solitary work. This blend allows for flexibility, adapting to the changing dynamics of how people prefer to work and connect in today's society.

The design of the community hub is carefully thought out, featuring several key components that together form a cohesive architectural narrative. The plan incorporates ample open public courtyards that facilitate social interactions and local events, enhancing community spirit. These outdoor spaces are complemented by landscaped gardens, which not only contribute to biodiversity but also provide tranquil areas for respite. The building’s façade harmonizes with its surroundings through the thoughtful use of materials such as coated glass, timber, and concrete. These choices not only reflect the local character but also ensure durability and reduced maintenance.

Internally, the hub’s layout promotes a variety of engagement opportunities. Collaborative zones are designed for both small gatherings and larger community functions, while quiet areas exist for those seeking focus or solitude. Additionally, dedicated creative workshop spaces cater to local artisans, enabling them to create and showcase their work. This intentional variety allows the community hub to function as a versatile space that adapts to multiple uses, appealing to a wide demographic of users.

One of the standout features of this project is its unique design approach that focuses on integrating art into everyday life within the hub. By accommodating artists and allowing for workshops and displays, the project supports local creativity and enriches the cultural landscape of the community. This integration of artistic elements not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also fosters a deeper connection between the community and its creative practitioners.

Sustainable design principles are also at the forefront of this architectural project. The adaptive reuse of an existing building lowers the environmental impact typically associated with new constructions. The project employs strategies such as green roof systems that promote thermal insulation and enhance the ecological footprint of the area. Moreover, using low-maintenance native plant species contributes to ecological stability and reduces the upkeep obligations for the community.

The overall architectural vision for this community hub is one of resilience and connectivity. By blending social and economic elements, it recognizes the importance of building networks among local residents while also considering broader environmental concerns. The emphasis on community-centric spaces fosters a welcoming atmosphere that encourages involvement and collaboration.

This community hub stands as a testament to the potential of thoughtful architectural design in creating spaces that serve local populations while addressing contemporary challenges. For those interested in gaining further insights into this project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas, delving into the visual presentation of the project will provide a comprehensive understanding of its layered architecture. Exploring these elements can illuminate the careful consideration and intention behind each aspect of this meaningful community initiative.
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