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Natural Stone Cladding and Concrete Frame in Compact Affordable Housing Design

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Natural Stone Cladding and Concrete Frame in Compact Affordable Housing Design
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Constructed with a robust concrete frame and natural stone cladding, this compact housing solution efficiently combines sustainability with affordability to meet essential living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a combination of natural stone cladding and a concrete frame for enhanced durability.
02
Design incorporates large glass windows to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Modular layout allows for rapid assembly and adaptability to various site conditions.
04
Sustainable materials were selected to reduce environmental impact and ensure longevity.
05
Compact dimensions optimized for essential living spaces without sacrificing comfort.

## Overview

Located within urban and semi-urban areas facing housing shortages, the project emphasizes affordable and functional housing solutions. The design’s intent centers on simplicity and the possibility of mass production, employing a modular approach that reflects contemporary minimalism while addressing the needs of potential homeowners under economic constraints.

### Spatial Configuration

The internal layout of the unit is crafted with compact dimensions of 5x5x5 meters, promoting efficient use of space.

- **Ground Floor**: This level features a living area, kitchenette, and bathroom, designed for multifunctionality to maximize the utility of the available square footage.
- **First Floor**: A private sleeping area and additional functional space are incorporated, fulfilling essential residential needs without excess area.
- **Vertical Connectivity**: A strategically placed staircase enhances movement between floors, optimizing vertical space while maintaining a cohesive design.

### Materiality

Material selection is integral to the design philosophy, focusing on durability and sustainability:

- **Vernacular Stone Cladding**: The exterior utilizes natural stone cladding, combining a traditional aesthetic with robust durability and low maintenance requirements.
- **Concrete Frame**: A concrete frame ensures structural integrity, effectively supporting the compact form against environmental challenges.
- **Glass Windows**: Large windows enhance natural light within the interior, promoting a sense of openness and strategically providing privacy.
- **Metal Frames and Roofing**: The lightweight metal roofing and structural frames are designed for weather resistance and longevity, contributing to the project's sustainable attributes.

### Community Integration and Modularity

The project allows for the replication of individual units, providing flexibility in neighborhood design suited to varying plot sizes and configurations. The isometric representation highlights a layout that encourages social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community. By utilizing local materials such as stone and glass, the design reflects environmental considerations, ensuring relevance to its context while supporting a sustainable approach to affordable housing.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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