Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Gypsum Concrete Walls and Sliding Sunscreens Define a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Ludovicus Dams
Gypsum Concrete Walls and Sliding Sunscreens Define a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Gypsum concrete walls and an integrated majlis enhanced by sliding sunscreens create a functional living space designed for family interaction while emphasizing sustainability and local biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gypsum concrete walls provide superior thermal insulation and fire resistance.
02
Sliding sunscreens enhance energy efficiency by regulating natural light and heat gain.
03
The central majlis facilitates community engagement, reflecting cultural traditions.
04
Local flora landscaping promotes biodiversity and integrates the home with its environment.
05
Ample indoor-outdoor connectivity fosters a seamless flow between living spaces and nature.

### Overview
Located on a 450-square-meter plot, the notable residential design integrates elements from traditional architectural forms with contemporary practices. The overall intent is to create a dwelling that meets modern living standards while preserving cultural and social interactions reminiscent of historical homes. The total built area encompasses approximately 300 square meters, organized around a central courtyard that functions as the focal point for both aesthetics and community engagement.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout employs three distinct volumes, each designated for specific functions to enhance privacy and connectivity. The ground floor includes family and service areas, such as a garage and utility spaces, separated from public view. The first floor houses private quarters, including bedrooms, and communal areas that facilitate access to surrounding gardens. On the second floor, an open majlis is designed as a gathering space that reinforces social bonds. The integration of large sliding doors and abundant windows promotes indoor-outdoor connectivity, encourages natural ventilation, and provides ample daylight, contributing to a harmonious living environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials is integral to both the aesthetic quality and performance of the structure. External walls made from gypsum-concrete bricks ensure durability and thermal insulation, while the adaptable surface treatment facilitates customization. Glass sliding doors maximize visibility and natural light, complemented by sliding sun screens to manage heat gain efficiently. Landscaping integrates native flora, enhancing biodiversity and air quality. Additionally, solar panels installed on the roof support energy generation, aligning with sustainable design practices that minimize ecological impact.

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

`

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