Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Hexagonal Reading Pod with Slatted Walls and Community Focus

Authors:
Elisabeth Martin, Lindsay Duddy, Caitlin Mcmanus
Hexagonal Reading Pod with Slatted Walls and Community Focus

Project in-detail

The hexagonal reading pod, constructed with slatted walls and designed for flexible use, creates a unique community space that fosters engagement and encourages literacy in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal shape facilitates a unique spatial configuration for group interaction.
02
Slatted walls allow natural light and airflow while providing weather protection.
03
Modular design promotes easy assembly and adaptability to various locations.
04
Incorporates reading benches and stadium seating to support diverse activities.
05
Utilizes local materials to enhance sustainability and community connection.

BiblioFlex is a portable reading room project developed by Bee Breeders and Archhive Books, located in Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza. This design aims to create a welcoming space that encourages reading and community interaction. The overall concept focuses on a modular hexagonal pod that adapts to the needs of users, providing a functional environment for literary and social activities.

Modularity and Flexibility

The structure consists of six wall modules, allowing for a flexible arrangement. Each wall module features two identical backbones that support a series of wooden slats. This interlocking design simplifies assembly and ensures stability. Such an approach minimizes the need for complex parts and enables the space to be customized according to community preferences.

Functional Components

BiblioFlex integrates multiple functional elements to improve user experience. Reading benches can be attached to any wall module, allowing for dynamic seating arrangements. Stadium seating options within the walls help accommodate larger groups and promote discussion. In addition to seating, the design includes bike racks for secure storage and book bins placed at different heights for easy access by readers of all ages.

Environmental Responsiveness

Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, with an emphasis on local materials that reduce environmental impact. The lightweight structure requires no excavation, making it portable and easy to relocate. An open-air layout allows natural light and airflow, creating a pleasant atmosphere. This focus on the environment positions BiblioFlex as a relevant solution for public spaces, connecting people with literature and each other.

The BiblioFlex pod stands out for its ability to draw people in with a focus on reading and community connection, inviting a mix of individual reflection and group engagement within its thoughtful design.

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