Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Harvesting Rainwater Through Durable Concrete and Green Roof Systems In A Community-Centric Urban Setting

Authors:
Nikolai Mina, Lady roxanne Mina
Harvesting Rainwater Through Durable Concrete and Green Roof Systems In A Community-Centric Urban Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing high-strength concrete and an extensive green roof system, the design captures and manages rainwater while serving as a community hub in Lahore's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system optimized for Lahore's climate.
02
Features a green roof that enhances biodiversity while improving thermal performance.
03
Utilizes high-strength concrete for structural resilience in an urban setting.
04
Includes multi-level public spaces designed for community interaction and engagement.
05
Integrates large glass facades to maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption.

The Rain Catcher is an architectural design project situated in Lahore, Pakistan, strategically developed to address urban challenges such as water scarcity and climate change. The building is conceived as a multifunctional structure that captures rainwater and promotes sustainable urban living. Its innovative design integrates water harvesting techniques into a modern architectural framework, facilitating essential water resource management while fostering community interaction within the urban setting.

The project features a tall, tapering form that resembles natural structures, which optimize both functionality and aesthetics. The design promotes efficient water collection through a series of sloped surfaces and integrated drainage systems, allowing rainwater to be funneled into storage facilities. This approach not only serves a practical purpose but also highlights the potential of architecture as a tool for environmental stewardship.

Water Conservation Techniques
The architectural design includes dedicated systems for rainwater harvesting, effectively utilizing the local climate to maximize water collection. The structure is equipped with high-strength concrete walls that provide durability while supporting the needs of the building. Large glass facades are incorporated to ensure natural light penetrates the interior spaces, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. Additionally, a green roof contributes to rainwater management and enhances the building’s thermal performance.

Community-Centric Layout
The layout of The Rain Catcher emphasizes community engagement through the integration of public spaces at the base of the structure. These areas are designed for social interaction, including gardens and multipurpose zones that host community events. Above these public spaces, the building houses office and commercial environments that promote collaboration and innovation. This blend of spaces cultivates a holistic urban ecosystem, encouraging residents and workers to participate in communal activities while raising awareness about sustainability.

In summary, The Rain Catcher stands apart from conventional architecture due to its focus on water conservation and community integration. By examining the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers may gain deeper insights into the myriad strategies employed in this project. An exploration of this project reveals not only its contribution to sustainable architecture but also its role as a catalyst for positive change within urban environments.

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