Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Mortise and Tenon Structures Supporting Artist Living and Working Spaces

Authors:
Ruiya He, Rang rang Pei, Xiang Jiang, Yi qian Ma
Mortise and Tenon Structures Supporting Artist Living and Working Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with mortise and tenon joints and a steel framework, the project provides affordable living and working spaces tailored for artists in Beijing's Caochangdi Village.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using traditional mortise and tenon joints, highlighting a link to historical craftsmanship.
02
The design features a flexible layout that accommodates both private and communal functions for artists.
03
Located in Caochangdi Village, an emerging cultural hub near Beijing's 798 Art District.
04
Emphasizes affordability to support artists facing urban living challenges.
05
Integrates vertical and horizontal connections to foster community interaction among residents.

The design "Mortise and Tenon Growing in the Crevice" is set in Caochangdi Village, an area in Beijing known for its artistic community. This project serves to meet the needs of artists by integrating spaces for living and working. The design approach is based on the traditional mortise and tenon joint, which symbolizes flexibility and connection among its users.

Design Concept

The focus is on creating an environment where artists can move easily between their living quarters and workspaces. The layout includes both horizontal and vertical connections, which encourage interaction and collaboration. This organization is vital for fostering a sense of community among the residents and enhances their creative processes.

Spatial Configuration

Distinct tenant units are incorporated throughout the design, varying in size and purpose to accommodate the different needs of the artists. Each unit features private living areas as well as shared amenities like exhibition spaces and community platforms. This design allows artists to engage with one another while still providing the privacy they need.

Material Considerations

The structure is built with steel, which provides necessary support while allowing for flexible configurations. Mortise and tenon joints enhance the overall strength of the building. This choice of materials connects modern construction techniques with traditional craftsmanship, reflecting an understanding of both durability and artistic expression.

Psychological Engagement

Attention is given to the psychological well-being of artists who often face challenges in urban living conditions. Affordable and adaptable spaces are central to the design. By ensuring quality living environments, the project aims to improve the daily lives of its residents, allowing them to focus on their creative work.

The design also enhances the play of light throughout the spaces. This interaction between light and shadow creates visually interesting environments that stimulate creativity and reflection.

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