Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Native Plant Landscaping and Thermal Adobe Bricks in a Community-Focused Residential Design

Native Plant Landscaping and Thermal Adobe Bricks in a Community-Focused Residential Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Thermal adobe bricks and perforated screens harmonize with native plant landscaping to create a sustainable residential environment that emphasizes community interaction and adaptive family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thermal adobe bricks provide effective insulation, reducing energy consumption.
02
Perforated screens allow natural light while maintaining privacy and air flow.
03
Native landscaping supports local biodiversity, enhancing ecological health.
04
Modular living spaces adapt to evolving family needs and lifestyles.
05
A communal Majlis encourages social interaction and cultural engagement.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the PARA-HOUSE project aims to provide an economically viable and sustainable residential solution that responds to the city's unique climatic conditions and cultural context. The design emphasizes community living and privacy, integrating modern architectural principles with traditional influences. The layout supports social interaction through communal areas, such as the Majlis, while also respecting individual family spaces.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The building's arrangement optimizes both private and communal experiences, catering to contemporary lifestyles while honoring cultural traditions. This dynamic spatial strategy promotes flexibility, allowing residents to engage in shared activities while also having access to private spaces as needed.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A focus on sustainable material selection underpins the design, incorporating adobe brick for thermal mass and historical resonance. Triple glazed glass enhances thermal insulation while maintaining transparency, and perforated screens offer privacy without compromising natural light. Solar panels are integrated into the roofing system, underscoring a commitment to renewable energy and reducing environmental impact. Native plant species in the surrounding landscaping contribute to local biodiversity and provide essential shade, further enhancing the living environment.

The building spans a total area of 299 m² across two floors, with an additional 215 m² allocated for gardens. Functionally, the design includes diverse spaces, such as bedrooms, a kitchen, living areas, and multi-functional gardens, thereby catering to various residential needs and fostering community engagement.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 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

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
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