Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reflective Ceramic Facades and Modular Configuration in Sustainable Urban Housing

Author:
Omar Alberto Zeinc Bobea
Reflective Ceramic Facades and Modular Configuration in Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Modular units with reflective ceramic facades enhance energy efficiency while promoting community interaction through integrated public spaces designed for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations based on site conditions.
02
Reflective ceramic facades enhance energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
Community spaces integrate a garden, open-air theater, and recreational areas.
04
Safety features include a designated bomb shelter in the sub-cellar level.
05
Architectural design incorporates natural elements to promote urban healing.

### Overview

Located in Kharkiv, this housing initiative is a response to the Kharkiv Housing Challenge, emphasizing community-oriented living through modern architectural strategies. The design prioritizes modularity and sustainability, incorporating public spaces intended to foster community connections and promote well-being. The integration of these elements is aimed at enhancing social interactions while addressing contemporary urban living challenges.

### Modular System and Materiality

The architectural proposal employs a modular system that facilitates flexible and scalable construction. The modular units can be configured into varying façade arrangements, thereby creating a diverse architectural expression. Key materials include concrete for structural elements, reflective ceramic coatings that improve energy efficiency, and energy-efficient windows allowing for ample natural light. Rigid insulation used during the precast process enhances thermal performance, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability and energy conservation.

### Public Space Design and Community Engagement

The design places significant emphasis on communal spaces through the inclusion of elements that promote healing, interaction, and inclusivity. Nature is harmoniously integrated through features such as a community garden, which supports biodiversity and serves as a gathering point, alongside an open-air theatre for cultural events. Additional facilities, such as a skateboard and bike park, encourage active lifestyles and foster engagement among diverse age groups. The thoughtful integration of these public spaces aims to create a vibrant community atmosphere, aligning with principles of social sustainability and inclusivity while enhancing the overall livability of the development.

### Structural and Spatial Efficiency

The architectural composition incorporates tall structures with strategically designed openings to optimize natural light and airflow. Interior layouts are structured to balance public areas with private residences, ensuring both community interaction and individual privacy. Safety considerations are evident in the inclusion of a bomb shelter within the design, illustrating a proactive approach in addressing potential vulnerabilities in urban settings. The greenery-covered rooftops further contribute to the project’s environmental benefits, promoting improved air quality while offering aesthetic appeal.

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