Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Resilient Spaces Inspired by Crystal Growth

Authors:
Ali Baghizadeh, Aramdokht Jabbari
Resilient Spaces Inspired by Crystal Growth

Project in-detail

Inspired by the transformative process of crystal growth, the design showcases dynamic forms that embody resilience and strength while creating a reflective space dedicated to community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the process of crystal growth, the design emphasizes natural resilience.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a tactile quality to the facade.
04
Dynamic forms create adaptable spaces that encourage community interaction.
05
Spatial organization invites reflection on themes of empowerment and identity.

The project conveys themes of resilience and empowerment, drawing inspiration from the idea of crystal growth in fire. Set in a context that challenges conventional narratives, it presents the struggles of individuals, particularly women, who assert their identities against societal expectations. The design aims to translate these experiences into a spatial expression that highlights strength and courage.

Architectural Narrative
The approach centers on telling real-life stories, moving away from fantastical elements. It highlights the determination of individuals who face societal norms, crafting their futures with intention. The architecture embodies this resilience through dynamic forms that suggest stability and transformation, engaging viewers on a personal level. The spatial design invites exploration, creating an environment where themes of oppression and empowerment can be reflected upon.

Visual Language
Characterized by strong geometric shapes, the design employs visual elements that indicate movement and growth. These features create a connection between the structure and its users, encouraging interaction and thought. The spatial organization allows for a deeper understanding of individual struggles and victories, reinforcing an emphasis on contemporary social issues that affect marginalized communities.

Material Considerations
Specific materials are not identified in the presentation, yet the visual language implies a tactile quality that could enhance the overarching narrative about strength. The potential choice of materials may embody themes of resilience through their textures, reinforcing the metaphor of diamonds formed under pressure. This consideration opens up possibilities for how materiality can deepen the project's conceptual focus.

The careful integration of these ideas into the design exemplifies a thoughtful response to the complexities of identity. Subtle details, such as how light interacts with the bold forms, create an environment that evolves over time. This continuous change mirrors the personal and collective journeys toward empowerment.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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