Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Harnessing Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation for Energy Efficiency

Author:
Maria Englezou
Harnessing Thermal Mass and Natural Ventilation for Energy Efficiency
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing thermal mass and stack ventilation, the design optimizes energy efficiency while ensuring indoor comfort in a residence situated in the East Mediterranean climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates thermal mass with concrete and masonry for effective temperature control.
02
Utilizes stack ventilation to enhance natural airflow throughout the residence.
03
Features solar glazing for passive winter heating while minimizing summer heat gain.
04
Includes calculated shading devices to balance light and temperature year-round.
05
Places photovoltaic panels at a 50-degree angle for optimal energy collection.

"Form Follows the Sun" is located in the East Mediterranean Region and focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency. The design works with the local environment by using passive solar strategies. The aim is to create comfortable indoor spaces while minimizing energy consumption. By prioritizing natural resources, the building responds well to its specific climate.

Thermal Mass Integration

The building uses thermal mass through materials like concrete, masonry, and adobe. These materials absorb heat during the day and release it at night, maintaining stable temperatures inside. This reduces the need for heating or cooling systems. By optimizing the use of these materials, the design supports energy efficiency.

Natural Ventilation

Openings in the building are placed to promote natural ventilation. Lower openings bring in cool air from outside. Higher openings allow warm air to escape. This creates a stack effect that encourages airflow throughout the space. As a result, indoor comfort is improved without relying heavily on mechanical systems.

Solar Design Features

The design incorporates various solar strategies suitable for each season. Overhangs block excessive sunlight in the summer, helping to keep the interiors cooler. During winter, solar glazing allows sunlight to enter, providing passive heating. This thoughtful approach manages sunlight effectively, contributing to a more balanced environment.

Energy Generation

Photovoltaic panels are installed with a roof inclined at 50 degrees, enhancing energy autonomy. This angle captures solar energy efficiently, especially in winter. Additionally, shading devices are calculated to allow sunlight in during colder months while providing relief from heat in warmer months.

Careful consideration of sunlight and climate plays a strong role in the design. The interactions between space and environment reflect a commitment to both efficiency and comfort.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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