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 Solar Panels Enhancing Riverfront Living

Authors:
Marcin Trzaska, Julia Bauer, Barbara Bech
Green Roofs and Solar Panels Enhancing Riverfront Living

Project in-detail

A green roof and solar panels create an energy-efficient living environment on the riverfront, blending sustainability with comfort in residential housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Green roofs provide natural insulation and manage rainwater effectively.
02
Solar panels ensure energy self-sufficiency for the residences.
03
Entrances face the promenade, enhancing community connectivity.
04
Large windows capture river views and maximize natural light.
05
Public and private spaces are distinctly separated for functional living.

FLOATING GARDENS is a residential design that responds to rising water levels and land shortages in urban settings. The project focuses on sustainable living while encouraging a close relationship between inhabitants and nature. It aims to provide comfortable homes that are adaptive to environmental changes and considerate of community needs.

Spatial Organization

The layout of FLOATING GARDENS clearly separates public and private spaces. Public areas are situated on the ground floor, making it easy for people to meet and interact. The upper levels are personal environments, designed for privacy and quiet. This arrangement fosters social connections while also allowing residents their own sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle.



Connectivity and Views

In this design, the distribution of entrances and windows plays an important role. Each apartment has an entrance that faces the promenade, encouraging community engagement. Large windows allow plenty of natural light to flood the rooms and provide views of the river. This setup connects residents more closely with their surroundings, enhancing their daily living experience.



Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

A significant focus is placed on ecological responsibility and energy use. The houses incorporate a heat pump and solar panels that help produce energy for basic needs such as electricity and hot water. This approach encourages self-sufficiency and reduces dependency on traditional energy sources, reflecting a commitment to a smaller environmental impact.



Green Roof Design

An essential aspect of FLOATING GARDENS is its green roof. This feature not only offers insulation but also helps manage rainwater and adds visual interest to the development. By integrating plants into the structure, it fosters a connection to nature and supports local wildlife, enriching the overall landscape of the area.



The design includes spacious terraces that extend the living areas into the outdoors. These spaces allow residents to enjoy gatherings outside, promoting a lifestyle that connects indoor comfort with the natural elements surrounding them.

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