Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Metal Siding and Vertical Lines Define a Sustainable Family Residence in a Suburban Landscape

Author:
Michala Smutná
Metal Siding and Vertical Lines Define a Sustainable Family Residence in a Suburban Landscape

Project in-detail

With its bold metal siding and expansive windows, the residence seamlessly integrates modern aesthetics with sustainability, creating a comfortable home that invites natural light and enhances outdoor connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence utilizes metal siding that reflects the surrounding environment while providing durability against the elements.
02
Glass panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
03
An accessible entrance includes gently sloping steps to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
04
The landscaping features native plant species that enhance the local ecosystem while requiring minimal maintenance.
05
The home's open-plan layout promotes flexibility in living spaces, allowing for various functional uses.
The project showcases a contemporary residential design characterized by its thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape. Situated in a suburban context, the architecture reflects a modern aesthetic while prioritizing functionality and sustainability. At its core, this design represents a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature, aimed at providing a comfortable and inviting home for its inhabitants.

The primary function of this architectural project is to serve as a family residence, facilitating daily living while offering spaces for relaxation, social interaction, and connection to the outdoors. The design places significant emphasis on fluidity between interior and exterior spaces, creating an environment that promotes a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Key architectural elements define the project’s character. The structure features a cubic form with a flat roof, creating a clean and minimalist silhouette. This geometrical simplicity is paired with a carefully selected material palette, including metal lap siding and smooth white render. The light gray siding is utilized on the upper section of the facade, providing a sleek and durable surface that complements the modern aesthetic. The lower part of the structure is rendered in a crisp white finish, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps reflect sunlight, improving energy efficiency.

Windows play a crucial role in the overall design, with large openings framed in black that create stark contrasts against the building’s lighter materials. This thoughtful use of glazing maximizes natural light within the home, while horizontal slatted blinds ensure privacy and aid in controlling solar gain. The combination of these elements enhances the interior ambiance, creating bright and airy spaces conducive to daily activities.

The entrance area is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring gently inclined wooden steps that welcome all visitors. These steps, made from hardwood or treated timber, provide a warm, inviting touch to the overall facade and lead to a covered entryway, ensuring protection from the elements. Paving the pathway with interlocking pavers in various shades of gray, black, and white contributes to the visual interest of the approach, guiding residents and guests toward the entrance.

The landscaping surrounding the home has been intricately designed to complement the architectural form and enhance the site’s natural beauty. A mix of grass, shrubbery, and strategically placed trees fosters a sense of privacy while also promoting biodiversity. The outdoor deck, likely constructed from similar timber as the entrance steps, functions as a transitional space that bridges the indoor living areas with the outdoors. It encourages activities such as outdoor dining and relaxation, enhancing the home’s livability and aligning with the principles of modern residential design.

Within the broader vision of the project, sustainability emerges as a key consideration. The use of high-performance materials and energy-efficient designs reflects a conscious effort to minimize environmental impact while maintaining a high standard of living for residents. This approach not only meets contemporary demands for energy efficiency but also aligns with growing societal values regarding environmental stewardship.

Unique design approaches prevalent in this project include the emphasis on minimizing visual clutter through a clean, modern aesthetic and the integration of landscaping to enhance the living experience. The choice of materials conveys a sense of quality and durability, signaling a commitment to longevity in design. Additionally, the project’s thoughtful spatial planning invites residents to engage with their surroundings, fostering a connection that is often overlooked in more traditional residential designs.

For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into the innovative ideas that underpin this residential concept. This project serves as a relevant example of how contemporary architecture can effectively address the needs of modern living while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the natural environment. Engaging with the full presentation of the project will allow for a greater understanding of its various elements and design intentions.
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