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 Glass Clad Tower with Water Harvesting Features at a Central Cultural Hub

Author:
Francesco Felice Buonfantino
Reflective Glass Clad Tower with Water Harvesting Features at a Central Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

A reflective glass-clad tower incorporates water harvesting systems and natural ventilation, serving as a central cultural hub dedicated to showcasing African heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass cladding adapts to changing light conditions, creating a dynamic visual experience.
02
A central gnomon tower symbolizes cultural unity and functions as a sundial.
03
Integrated water harvesting systems capture and utilize rainfall for irrigation and facility needs.
04
Native plant landscaping reduces irrigation requirements and enhances local biodiversity.
05
Interactive learning spaces promote engagement with African heritage through hands-on exhibits.

### Overview

The Africa Museum is situated in Algiers, Algeria, and functions as a cultural initiative dedicated to the exhibition of African heritage. The design emphasizes a connection between diverse cultures, nature, and the historical context of the continent. It merges contemporary architectural practices with traditional influences, specifically highlighted through the central tower, or "gnomon," which serves both a symbolic and functional role within the museum.

### Spatial Organization and Landscape Integration

The layout of the museum is predicated on a central circular plaza that radiates outward, symbolizing the cultural diversity of Africa. This organization fosters distinct functional zones, designed to enhance visitor experience through both movement and engagement with exhibits. The site includes areas allocated for recreational use, administrative functions, and exhibition space, facilitating a range of interactions from observation to participation.

The design incorporates natural ventilation strategies and efficient water management systems, underscoring a commitment to sustainability. Surrounding gardens feature native plant species that support local biodiversity and minimize irrigation, contributing to the museum’s environmental responsibility.

### Materiality and Architectural Features

The primary structure is composed of reinforced concrete and steel, ensuring durability while reflective glass cladding on the tower creates a dynamic visual interaction with light throughout the day. The gnomon serves a dual purpose of symbolically guiding time and light, further enhancing the visitor's experience by encouraging exploration.

The roof design, characterized by a petal shape, opens towards the sky while providing shade and shelter for outdoor activities. This form not only enhances the visual appeal but also invites tactile engagement, blending organic shapes with geometric design.

The integration of innovative water harvesting systems addresses regional climate considerations and serves as an educational tool for visitors, promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, interactive learning spaces within the museum support educational programs and cultural exhibitions, furthering the vision of awareness and appreciation for African heritage.

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