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 Wall Facade Enveloping Natural Light in a Concrete Home
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A living wall facade integrates vines with a concrete structure to create dynamic light patterns and enhance energy efficiency, all within a sustainable residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Living wall facade actively changes light patterns throughout the day.
02
Integration of vines enhances insulation and promotes biodiversity.
03
Central opening designed for optimal natural airflow across all living spaces.
04
Use of charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Vine-covered surfaces provide seasonal changes in visual and textural qualities.

## Project Overview
Located within a thoughtfully curated landscape, "A Home of Living Shadows" exemplifies a modern approach to residential living that emphasizes ecological sensitivity and a strong connection with the natural environment. The project seeks to integrate human habitation with surrounding natural elements, prioritizing light, space, and sustainability in its design philosophy.

## Spatial Strategy
The design prioritizes natural light and interaction with the outdoors, featuring a central courtyard that showcases the interplay of shadows created by strategically positioned vegetation. This courtyard not only serves as a visual focal point but also facilitates the flow of light into the interior spaces, enhancing the overall living experience. Gathering spaces within the home are characterized by large openings that create a sense of openness and promote social interaction while maintaining visual connections to the landscape. Quiet areas are designed with smaller openings, allowing for reflective moments enhanced by subtle light.

## Materiality and Ecological Integration
Materials selected for construction reflect a commitment to sustainability, emphasizing durability and aesthetic harmony with the environment. The use of **concrete** provides structural integrity while allowing for versatile forms, while **glass** is strategically employed to maximize natural light and views. The integration of **vines** in the facade creates a dynamic living wall that evolves throughout the seasons, adding visual interest and improving insulation. Additionally, the incorporation of **natural stone** in wall finishes serves to enhance the tactile quality of the home, further embedding it within its ecological context. The facade, described as a "mural curtain," exemplifies a fusion of artistic design and functional performance, enhancing energy efficiency while creating a continually changing visual narrative.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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

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

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