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 Harvesting and Solar-Powered Community Housing

Authors:
Sobhan Parhoodeh, Yekta Barati, Marjan Azhdari
Rainwater Harvesting and Solar-Powered Community Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating rainwater harvesting and solar panels, this modular housing solution provides affordable residences that enhance urban living in Toronto.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units manufactured off-site for quick assembly.
02
Integrated rainwater harvesting system to reduce water use.
03
Solar panels provide on-site energy generation.
04
Roof gardens enhance urban greenery and biodiversity.
05
Designed specifically for vulnerable populations in Toronto.

The Golden Cube project addresses the urgent need for affordable housing in Toronto, forming part of the Housing TO 2030 Action Plan. It aims to create modular homes that efficiently respond to the city's growing demand for housing, particularly for individuals facing homelessness. The design concept focuses on modularity and prefabrication, allowing for quick construction and seamless integration into city neighborhoods.

Modular Construction

The structure of the Golden Cube is based on modular construction techniques, which involve creating housing units off-site. This method allows for faster assembly at various locations throughout the city. Notable sites include 11 Macey Ave, 321 Dovercourt Rd, 175 Cummer Ave, and the corner of Trenton and Cedarvale Avenues. These locations were chosen for their accessibility to essential services, enhancing the project's ability to engage with the community.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is an important aspect of the Golden Cube's design. Rainwater harvesting systems are included to help lower water usage. Roof gardens are another feature, adding greenery to the urban environment and providing residents with spaces to enjoy nature. The project also includes solar panels, allowing for energy independence and aligning with modern environmental practices.

Design and Layout

The layout of the Golden Cube is designed to maximize natural light and promote good airflow. This design helps improve the overall living conditions for residents. Windows are thoughtfully placed to encourage interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community. The overall design takes a contemporary approach, emphasizing functionality and comfort, while maintaining a simple aesthetic.

Enhancing Urban Fabric

The Golden Cube serves as a meaningful addition to Toronto's urban landscape. By focusing on modularity, sustainability, and community-friendly design, it contributes positively to the city's affordable housing situation. Its design emphasizes shared spaces and green elements, encouraging a sense of belonging and addressing pressing housing needs effectively.

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