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 Wood Structure Emphasizing Transparent Facades and Rainwater Management

Authors:
Stephanie Ng, Jamie Wong, Joanna Allida, Nancy Luo
Reclaimed Wood Structure Emphasizing Transparent Facades and Rainwater Management

Project in-detail

With a transparent facade and a green roof designed for rainwater collection, this structure utilizes reclaimed wood to create an adaptable living space for young professionals in Vancouver.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transparent facade enhances natural light and visual connection to the outdoors.
02
Green roof directed for effective rainwater collection and filtration.
03
Uses locally sourced plywood and reclaimed wood for sustainable construction.
04
Adaptable structure with adjustable stilts for varied topography.
05
Prefabricated design simplifies assembly and encourages owner participation.

The D[RAIN] project addresses the issue of housing affordability for young professionals in Vancouver, Canada. It combines functional living spaces with a strong focus on nature. The design centers around flexibility, allowing the structure to adapt to various terrains while emphasizing sustainable practices in construction and resource usage.

Transparent Facade

A key aspect of the design is the transparent facade, which creates a clear link between indoor and outdoor spaces. This feature allows plenty of natural light to enter, fostering a sense of openness. Occupants can enjoy views of the surroundings, enhancing their connection to the environment.



Green Roof and Rainwater Management

The project includes a green roof that provides insulation and manages rainwater effectively. Its inward-pitched shape directs rainwater towards specific areas for collection, filtration, and storage. This approach addresses the common issue of stormwater management in Vancouver, aiming to conserve water resources and reduce runoff.



Construction and Adaptability

The design employs a prefabricated construction method that simplifies the building process. Clear assembly instructions make it accessible for young professionals, encouraging them to participate in creating their homes. The structure features adjustable stilts, allowing it to accommodate different ground levels while ensuring stability and fit within the natural landscape.



Material Choices

Key materials used in the design are locally sourced plywood for the walls and reclaimed wood for the flooring. These selections promote sustainability while adding a natural aesthetic to the living space. The combination enhances the building's connection to its environment.



The project integrates nature and functional living, making rainwater management an essential aspect of its design. The result is a building that harmonizes with its surroundings and supports the needs of its occupants.

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