Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Recycling Plastic Waste into Composite Bricks for Sustainable Community Housing

Recycling Plastic Waste into Composite Bricks for Sustainable Community Housing
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Transforming coastal plastic waste into composite bricks, this sustainable community housing project blends traditional kampung architectural elements with modular construction techniques to create resilient living spaces for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Composite bricks made from 20% recycled plastic waste and 80% coastal sand are used for construction.
02
The project incorporates a modular design allowing for flexible layout configurations.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into each unit for sustainable water management.
04
Shared public spaces foster community engagement and interaction among residents.
05
Building techniques utilize accessible machinery for local artisans, promoting community involvement.

## Overview

The design initiative addresses the critical challenge of coastal plastic pollution and the need for sustainable housing in rural communities across Southeast Asia. Situated in regions where waste management is inadequate, the project seeks to reclaim polluted shorelines by employing innovative building practices that incorporate recycled materials. Drawing inspiration from traditional kampung settlements, the design emphasizes community integration and environmental consciousness in its approach to architecture and urban planning.

## Material Innovation

A key feature of the project is the use of composite bricks, composed of 20% shredded recycled plastic waste and 80% coastal sand. These bricks are designed in various customizable sizes, facilitating efficient assembly and construction. Additionally, corrugated metal sheets are utilized for roofing, enhancing structural integrity while promoting natural ventilation and effective water drainage. The inclusion of rainwater harvesting systems, such as Kingspan Slimline Tanks, underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.

## Community-Centric Design

The project's layout emphasizes connectivity and engagement through strategically arranged modular units that promote communal interaction. Shared public spaces are designed for versatility, accommodating activities ranging from village meetings to educational programs. Each dwelling incorporates passive design features, including overhanging roofs and buffer zones, which provide resilience against monsoon conditions. Through its emphasis on environmental education and active participation in recycling practices, the initiative fosters a culture of sustainability within the community, ultimately strengthening social cohesion and well-being.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

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