Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Lava Stone Foundations and Hydroponic Systems in a Community-Centric Greenhouse Complex

Authors:
Yesim Serdar, Gorkem Sefa Menekse, Dikmen Tayfur, Mahmut Fatih Bembeyaz
Lava Stone Foundations and Hydroponic Systems in a Community-Centric Greenhouse Complex
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with lava stone foundations and timber cladding, this community-focused facility integrates hydroponic systems and multifunctional spaces to connect residents with sustainable food practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using local lava stone to emphasize regional materials.
02
Incorporates a bird-watching tower to enhance ecological awareness.
03
Features hydroponic systems exclusively for food production.
04
Timber cladding provides a natural aesthetic and sustainable choice.
05
Integrates multipurpose spaces to foster community interaction.

The design combines food production with architectural space in a way that promotes community engagement and sustainability. Positioned in a thoughtfully chosen location, the facility focuses on creating an environment where agriculture and daily life intersect. The design concept centers on an artificial ecosystem, intended to support local resources while establishing a connection between the users and their environment.

Central Hall

The multipurpose hall stands at the heart of the building. This space serves many functions, providing a venue for gatherings, events, and activities that contribute to social interaction. It encourages community participation and cultural exchange, allowing the space to adapt for various uses. Surrounding this central area, the greenhouse and restaurant create an immediate link between growing food and enjoying meals, reinforcing the importance of local agricultural practices.

Courtyards

Integrated courtyards enhance the project's focus on community. These open areas are designed for social activities, offering spaces where people can come together for events or informal meetings. They serve as vital connectors, emphasizing the relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings. Additionally, a bird-watching tower adds another dimension, providing a raised perspective that invites visitors to reflect on their connection to the local ecosystem.

Sustainability Focus

A closed-loop agricultural system further defines the project. Relying entirely on hydroponic techniques, the design aims to minimize waste. A biogas recovery system takes organic waste and converts it into energy, supporting the facility's heating and electricity needs. This approach not only increases efficiency but also promotes practices that respect the environment and highlight resourcefulness.

Materials Used

Materials selected for the building play a significant role in the overall atmosphere. Interior walls are clad in timber, which adds warmth and a natural feel. The foundation features local lava stone, reflecting the regional context while ensuring structural stability. The exterior incorporates corrugated steel for the walls and roofs, optimizing durability, while rock wool insulation enhances energy performance.

The project stands out for its careful attention to the relationship between agriculture and architecture. This thoughtful design serves everyday needs while reinforcing the value of sustainable practices. A key feature is the greenhouse's orientation, which maximizes sunlight exposure, creating ideal conditions for plant growth. This connection to natural light emphasizes the ongoing relationship between users and their environment, drawing them into an experience that is both educational and engaging.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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 York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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