Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Residential complex featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles for enhanced sustainability

Authors:
Roberto Lagrutta, Franco pio D'agostino, Massimiliano Spera
Residential complex featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles for enhanced sustainability

Project in-detail

This residential complex seamlessly blends functional community spaces with sustainable design elements, featuring cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles that enhance both its aesthetic appeal and environmental performance.
5 key facts about this project
01
- Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity while minimizing carbon footprint.
02
Features charred wooden shingles, which provide natural fire resistance and a unique textural quality.
03
Incorporates green roofs that support local biodiversity and provide insulation benefits.
04
Designed with flexible partitioning to adapt communal spaces for varying activities and needs.
05
Integrates passive solar design elements that optimize energy performance throughout the year.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of form, function, and environment, culminating in a design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply resonant with the surrounding landscape and community needs. This project stands as a testament to contemporary architectural practices that emphasize sustainability, usability, and contextual harmony.

At its core, the design serves a multifaceted purpose, embodying a blend of residential and communal spaces that cater to a diverse group of inhabitants. The intent of the project is to create an environment that fosters connection – between individuals, families, and the broader community – while maintaining an awareness of its ecological footprint. This is evident in the careful selection of materials, spatial organization, and the incorporation of natural elements.

In examining the materials used within the project, a primary focus is on sustainability and local resources. The architectural design employs reclaimed wood, which not only adds warmth and character to the structure but also reduces waste and promotes a circular economy in construction. Complementing this material are high-performance glass facades that serve multiple functions: they invite natural light into the interiors, enhance thermal performance, and create a seamless visual connection with the exterior environment. This consideration of materiality demonstrates a commitment to both aesthetic quality and environmental responsibility.

The architectural design is characterized by a fluid layout that encourages movement and interaction. Open-plan living spaces are defined by flexible partitions, allowing for customization according to user needs while preserving sightlines and communal engagement. The incorporation of outdoor terraces and balconies expands the usable space and invites occupants to experience the landscape from multiple vantage points. This relationship with nature is paramount, reflecting a design philosophy that values well-being and tranquility within urban settings.

Unique design approaches in this project are exemplified through the incorporation of passive design strategies. The building's orientation maximizes solar gain in winter while reducing it in the hotter months, which is pivotal for enhancing energy efficiency without compromising comfort. Natural ventilation solutions are integrated, using strategically placed openings to facilitate airflow and reduce reliance on artificially controlled climate systems. Such attention to environmental performance is not merely a technical requirement but a fundamental aspect of the architectural narrative.

Another noteworthy element of the design is its emphasis on community and social interaction. The project includes shared spaces, such as community gardens and recreational areas, that invite collaboration and foster a sense of belonging among inhabitants. These areas are designed to facilitate activities and gatherings, enhancing the overall experience of living in the space while cultivating social ties that are increasingly important in today’s metropolitan context.

As the architectural project unfolds, the interplay between interior and exterior spaces becomes increasingly significant. The design incorporates green roofs and vertical gardens, further blurring the lines between built and natural environments. These features contribute to biodiversity and offer inhabitants a chance to engage with nature, creating an enriching living experience that extends beyond conventional boundaries of architecture.

A critical aspect of the architectural concept is its responsiveness to local culture and tradition. The design reflects regional styles through the careful articulation of roofs and façades, paying homage to local architectural language while being firmly rooted in modernist principles. This balance of contemporary and traditional elements enriches the narrative of the project and fosters a deeper connection with the place it inhabits.

In summary, this architectural project encapsulates a holistic approach to design that prioritizes sustainability, community, and environmental integration. By exploring the various elements of the architectural plans, sections, and designs, the reader is invited to delve deeper into the intricacies and thoughtful intentions that define this project. Engaging with these details will undoubtedly enhance understanding of the innovative architectural ideas that shape it, providing invaluable insight for those interested in modern design practices. To truly appreciate the fusion of aesthetics and functionality in this project, it is encouraged to explore the detailed presentation and visit the architectural designs firsthand.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 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 16544 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