Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Natural Stone and Green Concrete Create Sustainable Family Living In an Adaptable Courtyard Home

Authors:
Fadwa Mustfa Mezughi, Maksimilijan LuŽaiĆ, Carl John Molony, Yousra Tiar
Natural Stone and Green Concrete Create Sustainable Family Living In an Adaptable Courtyard Home

Project in-detail

Combining natural stone and green concrete with innovative wind towers, this residence features adaptable spaces and courtyards designed for sustainable family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for natural ventilation, enhancing indoor climate control.
02
Utilizes green concrete, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
03
Features distinctive courtyards that provide privacy while fostering family interaction.
04
Employs recycled materials sourced from the local area for construction.
05
Designed for future adaptability, allowing for easy modifications as family needs change.

## Overview

Located in a culturally rich context, the design integrates modern family living within an environmentally conscious framework while maintaining and respecting traditional values. The project focuses on sustainability, privacy, and functional adaptability to meet the evolving needs of contemporary families.

## Spatial Organization and Flexibility

The spatial arrangement of the house is meticulously planned to enhance both functionality and comfort. The ground floor serves as the main hub of family life, incorporating a dining room, kitchen, living area, and guest accommodations. In contrast, the first floor is dedicated to private quarters with multiple bedrooms, each featuring en-suite facilities to promote personal space. A basement area provides practical functions such as storage and laundry, while the strategic placement of a central courtyard fosters natural light distribution and communal interaction without compromising privacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The design employs a carefully selected palette of materials that reflect both sustainable practices and modern aesthetics. Key materials include light plaster, cement screed, breeze blocks, green concrete, and natural stones, chosen for their thermal properties and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the project incorporates recycled materials sourced locally to further reduce environmental impact. Noteworthy sustainable elements include wind towers that enhance airflow and minimize reliance on mechanical cooling, double insulation for effective temperature regulation, and solar energy components that contribute to energy-efficient operations. This integration of sustainable features supports a low carbon footprint while aligning with the overall design ethos.

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
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