Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rooftop Daycare Crafted With Vibrant Aluminum Panels and Community-Focused Balconies

Author:
Richmond Dakay
Rooftop Daycare Crafted With Vibrant Aluminum Panels and Community-Focused Balconies

Project in-detail

Crafted with a vibrant aluminum facade and equipped with a rooftop daycare, this mixed-use development seamlessly integrates community-oriented spaces within a mid-rise residential structure designed for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop daycare facility enhances community engagement and provides outdoor play space.
02
Vibrant aluminum facade distinguishes the building in a predominantly muted urban landscape.
03
Design features projecting and recessed balconies for resident privacy and outdoor access.
04
Landscaping incorporates native plants to promote biodiversity and ecological sustainability.
05
Mixed-use layout balances residential living with communal amenities to foster social interaction.

**Project Overview**

307 Sherbourne is located in Toronto, Ontario, within the Garden District, an area recognized for its vibrant communal spaces. This mixed-use apartment block addresses the need for diverse and affordable housing options, utilizing the "missing middle" typology to bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-rise buildings. The design intent emphasizes enhancing the livability of urban environments while integrating with the surrounding context.

**Massing, Form, and Community Interaction**

The building features a mid-rise, stepped form that optimizes natural light and views for individual units while contributing to the urban skyline. Projecting and recessed balconies offer outdoor spaces for residents and enhance the overall aesthetic. Interior layouts prioritize community interaction, including a rooftop daycare that serves both residents and the surrounding community. Communal amenities, such as lounges and kitchens, encourage socialization and foster a sense of belonging.

**Facade and Material Selection**

Characterized by a vibrant color palette of red and white, the facade distinguishes the building from typical urban tones, providing warmth and approachability. The materials employed include robust concrete for structural elements, extensive glass for natural light and visibility, and aluminum composite panels that add visual interest while ensuring weather resistance and low maintenance. The strategic incorporation of landscaping around the building enhances its connection to nature and the urban environment, promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.

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