Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Lunar Habitat Crafted from 3D Printed Regolith and Silica Glass for Sustainable Living

Author:
James Jung
Lunar Habitat Crafted from 3D Printed Regolith and Silica Glass for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing 3D printed regolith and transparent silica glass, this lunar habitat redefines sustainable living on the Moon while preserving essential genetic materials in biorepositories designed for human continuity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes lunar regolith in 3D printing for structural components, minimizing reliance on Earth-sourced materials.
02
Incorporates transparent silica glass for natural light while providing protection against radiation.
03
Features specialized biorepositories designed to store and monitor genetic materials essential for human continuity.
04
Employs a circular architectural layout to enhance community interaction and structural stability in a low-gravity environment.
05
Integrates advanced elevator systems to ensure accessibility across various habitat levels while accommodating the lunar terrain.
The architectural project titled “COSMOS - The Second Bloom” presents a meticulous exploration of lunar habitation, illustrating how humanity can extend its reach beyond Earth through thoughtfully designed structures. This project is not merely a response to the challenges of space colonization; it is a reflection of our desire to preserve human heritage and foster sustainable living environments beyond our planet’s boundaries.

At its core, the COSMOS project aims to establish a viable habitat on the Moon, addressing the dual necessities of survival and community. By creating an environment that supports human life, the project emphasizes the importance of nurturing our biological legacy and emphasizes how architecture can play a pivotal role in the quest for extraterrestrial existence. The design uniquely focuses on the idea of interconnectivity, both among inhabitants and with the lunar landscape, thereby inviting occupants to feel a deep relationship with their surroundings.

The functional aspects of this design are rooted in the need for shelter, storage, and resource management. A defining feature of the project is the Gene Storage Vaults, which serve as essential infrastructures for preserving genetic material. These vaults are not merely storage units; they represent the essence of humanity’s drive to ensure continuity and resilience in the face of potential existential threats. The inclusion of 3D-printed elements throughout the habitat underscores the innovative use of lunar regolith, showcasing a practical approach to utilizing local materials for construction. This not only addresses transportation challenges from Earth but also aligns with sustainable architectural practices by reducing carbon footprints.

The architectural layout of COSMOS is characterized by a circular design, facilitating a flow that promotes interaction among inhabitants while ensuring structural integrity in the harsh lunar environment. This layout is complemented by thoughtful spatial arrangements that incorporate both communal and private areas, allowing for a balance between social engagement and personal retreat, critical for psychological well-being in an isolated setting.

A notable aspect of the design is the innovative use of light. The project integrates transparent silica glass elements that enable natural illumination while enhancing safety against lunar dust and radiation exposure. By carefully considering light sources—both natural and artificial—the architects create dynamic spaces that are adaptable to the varying conditions of the lunar environment.

The project also prioritizes accessibility through well-planned elevator systems that connect different levels of the habitat, ensuring that all areas are reachable despite the moon’s varied terrain. Such elements contribute to a seamless experience for the occupants, emphasizing the importance of mobility in a confined space.

As a holistic approach to extraterrestrial living, COSMOS embodies a forward-thinking philosophy that embraces architectural ingenuity while remaining grounded in human necessity. It combines aesthetics with function, presenting an inviting and nurturing environment engineered for resilience against the unique challenges posed by life on the Moon. This focus on practical application and engagement with the environment sets COSMOS apart as a thoughtful exploration of architectural potential in space.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into this distinctive project, it is advisable to explore the project presentation, where you can examine architectural plans, sections, and various design ideas that further illustrate the intricate details and concepts behind this remarkable endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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