Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Porous Copper Roof with Balconies Enhancing Community Living

Authors:
Matan Gal, Dana Lieber gal
Porous Copper Roof with Balconies Enhancing Community Living

Project in-detail

The extended copper roof with porous screens and balconies lends a unique character to a modular living and studio space designed to foster community engagement in a Latvian suburb.
5 key facts about this project
01
Extended roof edges create shaded outdoor spaces for residents.
02
Porous screens provide adjustable privacy and light control.
03
The building’s layout encourages both community interaction and personal retreat.
04
Copper façade develops a unique patina over time, enhancing aesthetics.
05
Modular units enable flexible use for living and studio purposes.

The architectural design known as "Roof" is located in a suburb of Latvia and centers around the idea of shelter. This residence blends living spaces with studios under a unified roof structure. The design focuses on balancing communal areas with private ones, allowing for both interaction and solitude among its occupants.

Design Concept

The structure features a horizontal form that enhances its connection to the surrounding landscape. It is composed of four distinct volumetric units. The two outer units are designated as living spaces, while the internal units are aimed at studio use. This layout permits a clear division between shared and private spaces, with public areas situated on the ground floor and private rooms positioned above.

Roof Features

One of the notable aspects of the design is the roof's extended edges, which serve multiple functions. These projections create a sheltering effect and support a porous screen that filters direct sunlight. The screen is operable, giving residents the ability to adjust its positioning for comfort and privacy. Balconies on the upper level are also supported by the roof, adding to the layered spatial experience of the building.

Materiality

Materials are carefully selected to meet both aesthetic and practical needs. Copper metal sheets with a heavy patina are used for the façade, providing a durable surface that gains character over time. Additionally, a galvanized metal grate screen is incorporated into the design, offering structural support while allowing light to play across the building's surfaces.

Spatial Arrangement

The internal design promotes easy movement and flexibility. The division of spaces supports various uses, making them suitable for creative activities and personal routines. This organization encourages a mix of living and working, so residents can thrive in both personal and communal settings.

Extensive windows and operable elements allow ample natural light and fresh air to enter the living areas. This careful attention to light and shadow enriches the overall environment, connecting the inhabitants to the natural world outside. The project demonstrates a thoughtful response to its geographical context while meeting the practical needs of its users.

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
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