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 Housing Solutions Featuring Monocrystalline Panels and Green Balconies

Authors:
Shuxian Liang, Jiancheng Lin, Zhichao Lin, Qian Kang
Rooftop Housing Solutions Featuring Monocrystalline Panels and Green Balconies
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Off-grid residential modules on rooftops incorporate Monocrystalline panels and green balconies, providing sustainable housing solutions for young couples in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Residential modules are placed on rooftops to increase living space without altering ground-level architecture.
02
The design incorporates a service belt for efficient organization of domestic functions.
03
Green balconies enhance urban biodiversity and provide outdoor recreational opportunities.
04
A comprehensive water management system supports efficient resource usage in dense urban contexts.
05
Monocrystalline panels are utilized for renewable energy generation, aligning with sustainable living practices.

The design project located at Fengyuan Road in the Liwan District of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, aims to tackle housing shortages for young couples in a city characterized by a low floor area ratio. The overall concept focuses on modularity, flexibility, and integration with the community. By considering the urban context, the design enhances modern living while respecting the existing architectural style of the area.

Design Concept

The layout employs an integrated wall structure that forms the basis for various living spaces, including dining and cooking areas. This approach emphasizes functionality while allowing for adaptability in residential environments. The arrangement is purposefully designed to maximize space and user accessibility, contributing to a comfortable and inviting living atmosphere.

Sustainable Features

Outdoor balconies serve as green gardens, introducing ecological elements into the urban setting. These balconies not only improve the environmental quality of the surroundings but also offer residents opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The incorporation of nature within the design promotes a sense of well-being and fosters a connection with the outside world.

Community Integration

Off-grid residential modules are placed on rooftops to provide effective housing solutions while encouraging neighborhood engagement. This configuration increases the floor area ratio of the old town, revitalizing the community without disrupting the historical character of the area. The thoughtful arrangement of residential units allows for creative use of space, addressing local housing needs in a practical manner.

Sustainability Measures

A photovoltaic system featuring Monocrystalline Silicon Double-sided PV Panels supports the energy requirements of the residential units. With peak efficiencies between 285W and 356W, these panels align with sustainable living practices. Additionally, the design includes a comprehensive water management system, consisting of storage tanks for both cold and hot water, as well as provisions for grey and black water. This thoughtful approach to resource management reflects an understanding of the necessities in densely populated urban environments.

The design features balconies that extend from the living space, creating functional areas for relaxation and engagement with the environment. This detail emphasizes a balance between urban life and nature, enhancing the overall living experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

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