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-Retaining Fireplace and Water Circulation in a Compact Urban Home

Authors:
Martin Kovařík, Nikol Čapková, Martin Coufal
Heat-Retaining Fireplace and Water Circulation in a Compact Urban Home
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating a heat-retaining fireplace and innovative water circulation systems, the compact dwelling maximizes space efficiency and sustainability for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a 5.1 m² terrace module for outdoor living.
02
The project utilizes a heat-retaining fireplace for improved energy efficiency.
03
An incineration toilet reduces water consumption significantly.
04
Gray water and rainwater systems enhance sustainable resource management.
05
Each module is carefully sized for multifunctional urban living.

The MICROHOME 2020 project presents an innovative approach to urban housing through its independent tunnel house design. Spanning a compact 25m², it prioritizes functionality and sustainability. The layout is specifically crafted to meet the demands of modern living while maintaining a focus on efficient use of space.

Modular System Design
The design includes three main modules: a living/working unit, a hygiene unit, and a sleeping unit. The living/working unit, at 7.3 m², is designed for flexibility, accommodating both work and personal activities. The hygiene unit, measuring 4.8 m², provides essential facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience. The sleeping unit, also 7.3 m², underscores the need for adequate sleeping space within a compact environment.

Additionally, the project features a terrace module of 5.1 m² that enhances the livability of the home by providing outdoor space for relaxation and socializing. This integration of an outdoor area allows residents to enjoy nature and engage in open-air activities, improving their overall living experience.

Sustainability Initiatives
A strong focus on sustainability drives this design. Various features work together to minimize waste and enhance energy efficiency. A heat-retaining fireplace contributes to thermal efficiency, while an incineration toilet reduces water usage. The incorporation of gray water and rainwater circulation systems supports responsible management of water resources. Furthermore, solar thermal collectors and solar transparent panels aim to capitalize on renewable energy, reflecting contemporary environmental concerns in housing design.

Material Use
The selection of materials for the MICROHOME 2020 includes wood, metal, glass, and foam. Each choice is made for its durability and potential to create a sustainable living space. This combination of materials not only ensures structural integrity but also contributes to a modern aesthetic, making the home both functional and visually appealing.

The thoughtful arrangement of these elements creates a cohesive living environment that emphasizes practicality and efficiency, addressing the essential needs of urban residents while showcasing an intelligent solution to compact living.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy