Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Ocean-Dependent Spaces Amid Salt Farms and Tides

Authors:
Chen-yu Yang, Sin-yu Lin
Ocean-Dependent Spaces Amid Salt Farms and Tides
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Isolated by rising tides and anchored in salt farms, the community center provides vital spaces for intergenerational gatherings and rituals while emphasizing a deep connection to the ocean environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community center isolated by high tide, providing a unique interaction with the ocean.
02
Designed with pure geometric forms to enhance functionality and accessibility.
03
Temple access only during low tide, creating a seasonal experience for visitors.
04
Incorporates local cultural rituals to foster connections among residents.
05
Strategically integrated into salt farms, emphasizing the area’s maritime heritage.

The Pause is located in Qing Quen Shan, an area that has seen a big drop in its population over the years. It is designed as a community center, aiming to help residents reconnect with their coastal surroundings while also revitalizing their cultural customs. The design focuses on separating spaces for rituals from those for daily activities, reflecting the habits and beliefs of people who have historically relied on the ocean for their livelihood.

Community Spaces
- The common areas are placed close to the landside and feature simple geometric shapes. This design enhances usability and creates a welcoming environment for community members. The geometric forms not only improve accessibility but also encourage interaction among users, making it easier for people to come together in the space.

Temple Integration
- The temple is thoughtfully situated further inland, within a layout that resembles a fan shape made by salt farms. Its location is important; it is only reachable during low tide. When the tide rises, the temple appears isolated on the ocean side, giving it a prominent presence. This arrangement highlights its spiritual role, inviting visitors to reflect as they engage with the natural surroundings.

Sustainability and Context
- Although the materials used are not specifically mentioned in the presentation, it is likely that sustainable options are chosen to fit the coastal environment. The design aims to blend with the landscape, drawing on local building traditions while ensuring durability against harsh weather. Thoughtful choices in materials would allow the community center to support its surroundings rather than disrupt them.

Cultural Resonance
- The Pause acts as a key space for revitalizing community ties, emphasizing local traditions and strengthening connections with the sea. The architecture clearly reflects cultural identity and environmental awareness. A notable design detail is how the temple stands alone during high tide, presenting a moment for contemplation against the backdrop of the ocean. This striking view fosters a sense of peace and connection to the water, reinforcing the project's objectives.

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