Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Sand Battery and Triple-Glazed Facade Enhance Energy Efficiency in Sustainable Urban Dwelling

Sand Battery and Triple-Glazed Facade Enhance Energy Efficiency in Sustainable Urban Dwelling

Project in-detail

Boasting a sand battery for energy storage and a triple-glazed facade for superior insulation, this sustainable urban dwelling seamlessly integrates modern materials with passive cooling strategies to create an efficient family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sand battery system for enhanced energy storage.
02
Incorporates a triple-glazed facade for superior thermal insulation.
03
Features a roof design that maximizes passive cooling.
04
Includes an outdoor kitchen integrated with the landscape.
05
Employs recycled concrete for sustainable structural integrity.

# Architectural Design Report: House of the Future

## Overview

The House of the Future is situated in an urbanized context, designed to address contemporary residential needs while incorporating principles of sustainability and energy efficiency. This family dwelling integrates modern living requirements with an architectural response to the challenges posed by increasing urban density. The architectural approach emphasizes effective space utilization and a connection to natural elements.

## Spatial Configuration

The two-story structure encompasses a total usable area of 265 m² on a plot of 450 m². The first floor includes essential functions such as a garage, utility rooms, a living room, and an outdoor kitchen, arranged in an open-plan layout to promote flow and connectivity. The second floor comprises private spaces, including bedrooms and a multipurpose room, accessible via a gallery corridor that enhances vertical circulation and captures views of the surrounding environment.

## Materiality

Material selections reflect a commitment to both sustainability and contemporary design. Recycled concrete forms the foundation and walls, highlighting resource conservation. A triple-glazed aluminum-framed façade is employed for its insulating properties and to maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The composite roof is engineered to support solar panels, while steel columns provide structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, ceramic wall cladding contributes durability and a modern finish to both interior and exterior surfaces.

The project incorporates innovative design elements that enhance user experience and environmental interaction. Notable features include a roof designed for optimal shading, which significantly reduces cooling costs, and private gardens that contribute to the overall quality of life by providing functional outdoor spaces. Large glass facades facilitate a transition between indoor living areas and outdoor amenities, reinforcing the connection with the landscape.

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