Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Limestone Facades and Green Spaces Transforming Urban Connectivity

Author:
Michail Kantartzis
Limestone Facades and Green Spaces Transforming Urban Connectivity

Project in-detail

Utilizing limestone facades and integrated green spaces, the design revitalizes the Aristotelous axis in Thessaloniki, fostering urban connectivity through well-defined public areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced limestone for facades to enhance regional identity.
02
Incorporates extensive green spaces to improve urban air quality and aesthetics.
03
Features pedestrian pathways designed to encourage social interaction among users.
04
Integrates rainwater management systems into public areas for sustainability.
05
Facilitates flexible public plazas that host various community activities and events.

### Overview

The rehabilitation of the Square and Axis of Aristotelous is situated in the historic center of Thessaloniki, Greece, an area shaped by the city's rich architectural heritage following its reconstruction after the 1917 fire. This project aims to restore and revitalize the urban space, fostering community engagement and ensuring adherence to sustainable practices within the densely populated environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Urban Fabric

The design establishes a modern interpretation of the historical urban layout, creating an "urban terrain" that interlinks natural and constructed elements to enhance connectivity and promote interaction. The configuration features an axis that employs elastic symmetry, allowing for diverse urban activities while respecting the historic context. Architectural elements such as columns, arcades, and screens are integrated to maintain a dialogue with classical styles, while also promoting pedestrian comfort through shaded walkways.

### Material and Environmental Considerations

The project employs sustainable materials that echo the region’s architectural legacy. Limestone, glass, reinforced concrete, and wood are utilized to create a cohesive material palette that underscores durability and aesthetic appeal. Emphasizing sustainability, the design incorporates green strategies, including rainwater harvesting, extensive landscaping, and energy-efficient systems that enhance both the environmental resilience of the space and user experience. Green spaces, such as tree-lined pathways and urban gardens, are strategically placed to improve air quality while providing areas for recreation and social engagement, thereby enriching the urban landscape.

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
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
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