Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Perforated Metal Facade and Asymmetrical Balance in Community-Centric Urban Living

Author:
Arwa Atwa
Perforated Metal Facade and Asymmetrical Balance in Community-Centric Urban Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The double-facade system of perforated metal skin enhances thermal performance while creating a visually dynamic urban hub that fosters community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project includes a sky lobby hub that serves as a key social gathering point, providing panoramic views of the city.
02
The double façade features perforated metal skin that enhances energy efficiency while reflecting the local environment.
03
Natural ventilation systems are integrated throughout to minimize heat gain and improve indoor climate control.
04
Public spaces are designed to facilitate community interaction, with accessible terraces and social hubs spread across multiple levels.
05
A focus on asymmetrical balance in the structure adds visual dynamism, differentiating it from conventional designs.

The Living Skyscraper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, combines community living with environmental sustainability. Designed as a multi-functional structure, it provides spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The project seeks to create a continuous environment where residents and visitors can connect, reflecting the dynamic nature of urban life.

Design Concept

The design utilizes the subtraction of form to develop various social hubs within the tower. This approach helps reduce wind pressure on the building facade. It also allows for natural ventilation through the slabs, leading to lower heat gain in interior spaces. This strategy significantly improves energy efficiency and enhances the comfort of the environment.

Public Interaction

Inside the Living Skyscraper, the layout promotes a sense of openness and accessibility. Public areas such as a plaza, podium terraces, and a primary social hub are designed to foster community engagement. Smaller office social hubs are created to offer flexible workspaces, encouraging collaboration among users. The sky lobby hub serves as a visual and social focal point, providing remarkable views and a gathering space for residents and visitors alike.

Material Application

The structure features a double façade system that uses perforated metal skin on the south and west sides. This choice of material is functional and aligned with the natural context of Jeddah. The façade design enhances the building's thermal performance, helping to regulate temperature while also contributing visually to the surrounding area.

Spatial Flexibility

Technological elements in the Living Skyscraper enhance its adaptability. Flexible interior layouts allow for various configurations based on user needs. Movable panels create dynamic spaces that can be transformed as required. Smart motion sensors for lighting improve energy efficiency, adjusting illumination based on occupancy while maintaining the necessary light levels.

The overall structure connects its ecological goals with community living, creating an environment that encourages socialization while prioritizing sustainability. The design reflects a thoughtful approach to modern urban life, prioritizing both function and interaction.

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