Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reclaimed Materials Redefine Affordable Housing Through Modular Design and Community Engagement

Author:
Pantelis Panteli
Reclaimed Materials Redefine Affordable Housing Through Modular Design and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Utilizing reclaimed construction materials, the architectural design transforms waste into functional modular housing, promoting sustainability and community engagement in urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design to facilitate easy expansion and customization by residents.
02
Incorporates a dedicated sorting and workshop area for on-site recycling education.
03
Constructed primarily from reclaimed materials, reducing overall environmental impact.
04
Features a community engagement model, encouraging resident participation in building processes.
05
Employs a light frame system that enhances structural efficiency while promoting transparency.

The Elements Factory project is an architectural initiative focused on creating modular, affordable housing in Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, near Georges River. This design addresses the pressing need for low-cost housing while promoting environmental sustainability through the use of industrial waste materials. The project aims to transform discarded construction materials into functional living spaces, engaging the community in the construction process and raising awareness about waste management.

The defining characteristics of the Elements Factory encompass modularity, flexibility, and community involvement. The project features two types of housing units: Type A, consisting of a one-bedroom layout of 13.5 m², and Type B, a two-bedroom configuration of 25 m². This modularity allows occupants to adapt their living spaces to varying family dynamics, making it an efficient solution for diverse housing needs.

Innovative Material Usage and Design What sets this project apart from typical housing developments is its foundational commitment to recycling and reusing construction materials. The structure incorporates a diverse range of reclaimed resources, including recycled bricks and concrete, salvaged timber, and metals obtained from industrial byproducts. This material selection not only minimizes environmental impact but also educates residents about sustainable practices. The design further includes a sorting and workshop area, facilitating the collection and processing of waste material on-site.

The architectural design employs a light frame system that allows for transparency and connectivity between spaces. This choice not only enhances the aesthetic but promotes interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community, which is essential in urban developments. The layout encourages movement between the residential units and communal areas, creating a synergistic environment that supports both individual and collective activities.

Architectural Integration and Community Focus The Elements Factory prioritizes strong integration with the surrounding urban landscape, ensuring easy access to transportation and communication networks. This strategic location supports efficient material delivery and contributes to the local economy. Additionally, the project aims to serve as a hub for community engagement, providing workshops that foster educational programs centered on sustainability and waste management practices.

In essence, the Elements Factory advances a pragmatic solution for urban housing challenges, promoting a vision of sustainable living through innovative architectural design. For further insights into this project, including architectural plans and design specifics, consider exploring detailed presentations that dive deeper into its components and methodologies.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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