Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Scaffolding Structure with ETFE Canopy for Community Gathering

Author:
Svetlin Petrov
Scaffolding Structure with ETFE Canopy for Community Gathering

Project in-detail

Constructed with a scaffolding framework and an ETFE membrane, the coffee space serves as a community hub that emphasizes local identity and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a flexible scaffolding framework to allow for future adaptations.
02
Includes an ETFE canopy that provides natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.
03
Integrates locally sourced materials to enhance community connection and identity.
04
Features communal seating to encourage social interaction among visitors.
05
Designed with a focus on sustainability, employing organic solar cells for energy generation.

The design focuses on redefining coffee spaces within urban settings. These areas serve not only as places to enjoy coffee but also as important social and cultural connectors in the community. They operate both as retail environments and extensions of home or work, making them essential to daily life. The overall concept seeks to fuse local identity with the influences of a globalized world, which is increasingly relevant today.

Local Production vs. Global Consumers

One of the main themes is the balance between local production and global consumption. Each coffee space aims to reflect the local culture while also considering broader market trends. This thoughtful approach allows the design to showcase the distinctive character of its neighborhood. The coffee spaces are more than places to drink coffee; they become sites of cultural exchange and engagement.



Adaptability and Sustainability

The design emphasizes adaptability, ensuring that coffee spaces can change to meet the diverse needs of the urban population. Sustainability plays an important role; the aim is to lessen environmental impact while improving user experience. By utilizing local resources and implementing smart design strategies, these spaces can truly connect with their environments and serve the modern community effectively.



Materiality and Design Features

Specific materials chosen for the project include basic steel scaffolding, locally sourced lumber, an ETFE membrane, and organic solar cells. These elements support sustainable practices and highlight the importance of local identity. By carefully selecting materials, the design strengthens its connection to the community.

Community engagement is encouraged through design elements like open layouts and communal seating. These features invite people to connect with each other easily. The combination of functionality and thoughtful design creates a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing both the experience for visitors and the overall urban 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
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