Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rainwater Collection Systems with Water-Absorbent Membranes and Integrated Bird Habitats in a Tropical Ecosystem

Authors:
天泽 郝, 梦婧 张, 星月 方, 圣权 刘
Rainwater Collection Systems with Water-Absorbent Membranes and Integrated Bird Habitats in a Tropical Ecosystem
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Integrating bird habitats and a four-level rainwater collection system with water-absorbent membranes, the design enhances agricultural sustainability while supporting the ecological health of the Amazon rainforest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a four-level water management system for efficient rainwater utilization.
02
Incorporates bird nests within the structure to support local biodiversity.
03
Utilizes water-absorbent membranes designed to enhance ecosystem sustainability.
04
Features terraced planting areas to reduce soil erosion and improve productivity.
05
Combines residential spaces with agricultural functions in a vertically layered design.

The Rainforest Ecosystem Rehabilitation project is located in Anaprus, Maranion, Brazil. It addresses the urgent problem of tropical rainforest degradation and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. The design aims to create a balance between farming and the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. It is centered on principles of sustainability and efficiency.

Architectural Organization

The structure is designed with three distinct levels. The lower level focuses on residential and agricultural spaces. The middle level includes laboratories for research and areas for observing birds. The upper level is dedicated to systems for collecting rainwater. By organizing the building vertically, it optimizes land use in the rainforest environment while accommodating diverse functions.

Water Management Systems

A notable feature of the design is its four-level water supply system. This system uses water-absorbent membranes and pipes to collect and filter rainwater. The water is made available for people, plants, and local wildlife. Managing water effectively is crucial for the community and for supporting the rainforest’s health. This sustainable approach helps address the challenges that farmers face in the area.

Biodiversity and Community Engagement

The project incorporates bird nests into its design to support local wildlife. These nests provide habitats and allow for study and observation of birds in their natural environment. The adjacent laboratories create opportunities for research and ecological education. Public spaces, including an Activity Room and an Atrium, encourage community gatherings and help educate visitors about the rainforest and its significance.

Terraced Agricultural Design

Terraced planting areas are also included, representing a commitment to sustainable farming practices. These terraces use techniques that maximize sunlight and efficiently use rainwater for irrigation. This method reduces soil erosion and improves soil productivity, contributing to the overall recovery of the rainforest ecosystem.

Rainwater is strategically collected at the top level of the building and directed through the structure, highlighting the relationship between the water management system and agricultural productivity. The design fosters an ongoing interaction between human activities and the surrounding natural environment.

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