Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Heat Chimney and Palm-Inspired Sunshades in a Modern Residential Retreat

Author:
Yasi̇r Abali
Heat Chimney and Palm-Inspired Sunshades in a Modern Residential Retreat

Project in-detail

Incorporating a heat chimney and palm-inspired sunshades, this residential design balances climate responsiveness with privacy, providing a comfortable living space that caters to both family and guest needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a heat chimney for natural ventilation.
02
Features palm-inspired sunshades for enhanced solar control.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for aesthetic and durability.
04
Separates guest and family areas for privacy and function.
05
Connects interior spaces to an inner garden for nature integration.

### Project Overview
Located in a moderately temperate region, the U House is designed to enhance privacy and climate adaptability while presenting a modern aesthetic. This residential design prioritizes both functionality and the comfort of its residents, effectively accommodating personal and social interactions. Through careful spatial organization and material selection, the U House aims to foster an environment conducive to relaxation and hospitality.

### Spatial Strategy
The design employs a segmented layout that differentiates private and public spaces. Entrances are tailored to various users, creating distinct pathways that maintain household privacy. The guest block is strategically distanced from the main living areas, featuring independent amenities that enhance functionality without compromising seclusion. Communal living spaces are centrally located, with large openings that connect to an inner garden, promoting interaction with nature while ensuring comfort.

### Material Selection
A thoughtfully curated palette of materials supports both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as a durable foundation and functional walls, while extensive glass façades foster transparency and visual connection to the outdoors. Wood, utilized for flooring and structural elements, adds warmth to the interior. Sunshades, inspired by local palm trees, offer solar protection while reinforcing regional identity. Steel components enhance durability and visual sophistication throughout the design.

### Climate Responsiveness
The U House incorporates a heat chimney feature that actively expels hot air, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment with reduced energy consumption. The careful spatial arrangement minimizes heat gain, ensuring thermal comfort during warm weather. Decorative elements, including patterned glass façades, pay homage to local architectural traditions, embedding cultural significance within the contemporary design narrative. The organization of internal and external circulation encourages fluid movement throughout the house, with circular columns and a spiral staircase enhancing accessibility across different levels.

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