Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Natural Insulation and Recycled Concrete Define Multifunctional Urban Living Space

Author:
Romaric Fillette
Natural Insulation and Recycled Concrete Define Multifunctional Urban Living Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating wood concrete and recycled materials, this multifunctional structure enhances urban living by seamlessly merging residential spaces with commercial areas while prioritizing sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wood concrete, blending sustainability with structural integrity.
02
Features a rooftop garden designed for community interaction and green space.
03
Incorporates prefabricated elements to enhance construction efficiency and reduce waste.
04
Employs recycled aggregates in its foundation for environmental responsibility.
05
Offers diverse apartment configurations to cater to varying family sizes and needs.
The project is an innovative architectural design aimed at addressing urban housing challenges within the context of New York City. This project emphasizes a combination of residential, commercial, and office spaces within a single cohesive structure. By integrating various functionalities, the design seeks to promote community engagement while enhancing livability in a dense urban environment. The project leverages sustainable building practices and materials to provide a modern solution to urban living.

Efficient Spatial Organization

The project's spatial organization focuses on maximizing utility within its vertical structure. The upper levels of the building include apartments designed with five rooms to accommodate larger families, providing ample living space. The middle floors consist of four apartments featuring three rooms each, suitable for shared living arrangements. The lower levels prioritize affordability with eight two-room apartments, reflecting the project's commitment to providing housing options for diverse demographics.

Complementing the residential aspects, the ground floor integrates commercial spaces intended for retail activities. This design fosters a lively street environment and encourages local business development. The consistent flow between residential and commercial functions exemplifies the project’s intention to create a dynamic urban experience.

Sustainable Material Choices

A significant aspect of the project is its materiality, which focuses on sustainability without compromising structural integrity. The primary materials include:

- Wood Concrete (20% cement, 27% wood, 4% recycled aggregates, 9% recycled wood chips)
- Natural Wood Insulation
- Recycled Concrete (80% recycled wood)

These materials are selected not only for their environmental benefits but also for their durability and low maintenance. The use of prefabrication techniques further enhances this aspect by allowing for efficient construction processes while minimizing waste. Employing recycled and composite materials aligns with contemporary architectural practices that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Unique Design Strategies

The project introduces several unique design strategies that set it apart from conventional urban developments. The modular architecture allows for various layouts, accommodating the changing needs of residents. This flexibility is essential in a city like New York, where housing demands fluctuate.

The design also emphasizes the importance of community interaction. The inclusion of public spaces, such as the rooftop garden, creates opportunities for residents to engage with their environment. This aspect is particularly critical in densely populated areas, where green spaces may be limited.

Furthermore, the architectural approach focuses on integrating the building seamlessly into the urban fabric. The façade incorporates a textured surface reminiscent of traditional brickwork combined with modern glass elements, enhancing the visual appeal while remaining in tune with the surrounding architectural context.

For further insights into this innovative project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. Understanding these elements will provide a comprehensive view of the architectural ideas that inform this thoughtful design.
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 17,249 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