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 Ventilation and Shared Atriums in Vertical Living Solutions

Author:
Vadim Golubev
Natural Ventilation and Shared Atriums in Vertical Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating natural ventilation and communal atriums, the design transforms high-rise living into a sustainable, community-focused environment that prioritizes energy efficiency and occupant well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural ventilation strategies enhance air quality and reduce energy reliance.
02
Atriums create communal spaces that foster resident interaction and community cohesion.
03
Incorporates on-site renewable energy systems for sustainable living.
04
Design emphasizes naturally lit staircases to improve circulation and well-being.
05
Focus on reducing carbon footprint through innovative energy solutions.

The design aims to rethink high-rise living by addressing common challenges faced in tall buildings. Located in an urban setting, the structure accommodates both residential and commercial spaces. The design concept focuses on improving environmental conditions, promoting social connections, and enhancing energy efficiency. By combining these elements, it seeks to create a more livable and sustainable urban environment.

Natural Ventilation

A major feature of the design is its approach to natural ventilation. Many tall buildings rely heavily on mechanical systems to control the indoor climate, which can lead to issues like poor air quality and excess energy use. To combat these problems, the design incorporates ventilation strategies that allow fresh air to flow naturally through the building. This results in improved indoor air quality and reduces the need for mechanical systems, making the environment more comfortable for occupants.

Social Interaction

The design also addresses the isolation often experienced in high-rise buildings. It incorporates shared spaces and amenities that encourage residents to interact with one another. Features like atriums create communal areas that invite people to gather, fostering connections and a sense of community. By integrating these social spaces, the building promotes a more neighborly atmosphere, helping to break down barriers that can exist in urban living.

Energy Efficiency

Energy sustainability plays a vital role in the overall design. The building integrates renewable energy sources to generate electricity on-site, such as solar panels and wind turbines. This not only reduces the building's carbon footprint but also aligns with the concept of buildings serving as power generators. By focusing on energy efficiency, the design represents a modern approach to reducing reliance on external power sources.

The structure also features naturally lit staircases that provide ample daylight in circulation areas. This design choice enhances the overall experience for occupants, encouraging physical movement and creating an inviting environment. The interplay of light and space contributes to a pleasant atmosphere, connecting residents to the outdoors while enhancing the aesthetics of the building.

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