Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Living Roof Supported by Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Framework for Community Engagement

Authors:
Andreas Kyriakou, Fanos Katsaris
Living Roof Supported by Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Framework for Community Engagement
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A living roof integrates charred wooden shingles and concrete elements, creating a sustainable environment that fosters community interaction within a multifunctional space.
5 key facts about this project
01
A living roof system enhances natural insulation and supports local biodiversity.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide durability while reducing maintenance requirements.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity and rapid assembly.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and minimizes material use.
05
Rainwater management systems integrate seamlessly into the landscape for sustainability.

The project under analysis is an innovative architectural design that embodies a harmonious relationship between functionality and aesthetics. Situated in a carefully selected geographical location, the project aims to serve a multifaceted purpose while adhering to contemporary architectural standards. The design promotes sustainability, accessibility, and community interaction, reflecting a thoughtful approach to modern architectural challenges.

The building features a clearly defined structural system that leverages both vertical and horizontal elements to create an inviting atmosphere. The use of large windows allows natural light to flood the interior, thereby enhancing the spatial experience and reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. The layout prioritizes open spaces, facilitating flexible use and adaptation for various activities. The integration of outdoor and indoor spaces encourages a seamless transition, enhancing the overall functionality of the project.

Structure and Materiality
A key aspect of this project is its material palette, which includes concrete, steel, glass, and sustainably sourced timber. Concrete is used predominantly for the structural framework, allowing for durability and resilience. Steel elements are strategically employed to support the expansive roofline and facilitate large, open areas within. The inclination towards glass not only enhances transparency but also provides an aesthetic connection to the environment outside, promoting a sense of continuity with nature. The use of timber infuses warmth into the space, conveying an organic touch that complements the modern materials utilized.

Unique Design Approach
What sets this project apart from numerous similar endeavors is its unique integration of green technologies and adaptive reuse elements. The design incorporates a living roof which not only improves insulation but also promotes biodiversity. Rainwater harvesting systems complement the overall sustainability ethos, allowing for practical water management on-site. The architectural design incorporates local historical elements, seamlessly merging the new with the old, thereby paying homage to the cultural context of the area.

Functionally, the project serves a dual purpose: it functions as both a community library and an event space. This multifunctionality is reflected in the thoughtful arrangement of spaces within the building, allowing for simultaneous use by different groups. The open-plan design enables flexible configuration, making it suitable for various community gatherings, workshops, and events.

Engagement with Community and Environment
The architectural design encourages community engagement through its strategic positioning and accessible entrances. Outdoor spaces are designed to facilitate social interaction, featuring seating areas and landscaping that invite users to gather. The orientation of the building maximizes exposure to sunlight and minimizes energy consumption, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Aspects such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs merit further exploration for those interested in the intricacies of this project. The architectural ideas implemented here provide insights into how modern design practices can sustainably meet community needs and reflect cultural heritage. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of the project to fully appreciate its conceptual and functional depth.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 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
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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 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
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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
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
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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