Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Hempcrete Units With Green Roofs and Interlocking Design for Community Living

Authors:
Ben Quint-glick, Christian Smoke
Hempcrete Units With Green Roofs and Interlocking Design for Community Living

Project in-detail

Hempcrete construction and interlocking units combine with green roofs to create an adaptable community housing solution that emphasizes sustainability and resource efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hempcrete for superior insulation and thermal performance.
02
Features interlocking modular units that enhance flexibility and space efficiency.
03
Incorporates green roofs to promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
04
Employs rainwater harvesting systems for enhanced resource management.
05
Integrates biophilic design principles to improve occupant well-being and connectivity to nature.
The Bio-Block project is an architectural design that combines modular construction with sustainable living. Located in an urban environment, this residential project aims to address the increasing demand for efficient housing solutions while promoting community interaction and ecological responsibility. The design emphasizes flexibility, enabling residents to adapt their living spaces according to personal needs and preferences. Central to this concept is the idea of individual units functioning cohesively in a collective environment.

The Bio-Block project represents a shift in architectural thinking towards sustainability, affordability, and community-focused living. The modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making the housing units highly adaptable. The project focuses on creating a habitat that not only meets individual housing requirements but also fosters a nurturing community through shared spaces and resources.

Innovative Use of Materials and Structure

The Bio-Block employs a variety of sustainable materials that enhance the building’s performance and reduce its environmental impact. Key materials include wood for structural elements, hempcrete for insulation, cork for flooring, and glass blocks to optimize natural lighting. This selection significantly contributes to the project’s eco-friendly design approach, minimizing reliance on non-renewable resources.

The modular nature of the architecture facilitates scalability, allowing for multiple configurations to suit various site conditions and community needs. Each housing unit is designed to interlock with others, providing structural integrity while optimizing space usage. This interlocking method promotes a visually cohesive aesthetic while encouraging outdoor interactions and communal activities.

Community-Centric Design Elements

The internal layout of each Bio-Block unit prioritizes functionality and comfort. Open-concept living areas are designed to maximize natural light, while flexible spaces cater to diverse lifestyle options, from workspaces to communal dining. Additionally, private and communal gardens are incorporated into the design, offering residents opportunities for urban agriculture and enhancing biodiversity.

The integration of rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels emphasizes the project’s commitment to self-sufficiency and energy independence. These features not only contribute to the building's sustainability but also enhance the quality of life for residents. By incorporating biophilic design elements, such as green roofs and abundant vegetation, the Bio-Block project strives to create a healthy living environment that supports both physical and mental well-being.

For those interested in a more detailed exploration of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate its innovative features and layout, it is encouraged to review the complete project presentation. Engage with the architectural ideas that define the Bio-Block and gain insights into its functional and aesthetic contributions to modern urban 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 #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 17,249 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