Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Off-Grid Living with Trapezoidal Forms and Abundant Natural Light

Authors:
Geoffrey Li, Tzu-tung Chang
Off-Grid Living with Trapezoidal Forms and Abundant Natural Light
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Employing trapezoidal forms and off-grid sustainability, the design provides adaptable living spaces that maximize natural light and resource efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular configuration allows for three distinct assembly options.
02
Trapezoidal forms enhance structural stability and visual coherence.
03
Off-grid design integrates photovoltaic panels for renewable energy.
04
Natural light is optimized through strategically placed skylights.
05
Adaptability accommodates varying living conditions and user preferences.

The DUCKO architectural design project presents a modular living solution that incorporates the principles of minimalism and sustainability. Located in an unspecified geographical area, the design provides efficient living spaces using interchangeable modules. The concept emphasizes flexibility while ensuring that each element maintains a cohesive visual language, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in residential spaces.

Modular Configuration

The project consists of three main modules: Module A, with a square footage of 206.5 ft² (19 m²), Module B measuring 133 ft² (12.35 m²), and Module C, which features an extended section of 2' x 14'. Each module stands at a consistent height of 14', allowing for a uniform appearance regardless of the configuration. This modular design encourages various combinations, such as Module A + B + C, Module A + B, and Module B + C, catering to different living conditions and user preferences.

Sustainable Living

The concept of "live in moderation" lies at the heart of DUCKO's design, reflecting the fleeting nature of life and the environment. The project is designed to operate off the grid, utilizing photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy and collecting rainwater for use. These features significantly reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainable practices, aligning with current demands for eco-friendly living solutions.

Natural Light and Space Utilization

The architecture employs wrapping windows and skylight systems that break the facade, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. These openings create a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The layout addresses practical circulation and storage needs effectively, ensuring that essential functions are seamlessly integrated into the design while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Attention to Detail

While specific materials are not mentioned in the texts, the focus on sustainability implies a preference for eco-friendly choices that balance functionality and visual appeal. DUCKO demonstrates how modular elements can be thoughtfully arranged to promote simple living without sacrificing sophistication. The inclusion of well-designed storage solutions and the use of skylights highlight the commitment to creating high-quality living spaces that align with modern architectural principles.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

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

`
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

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy