Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Solar Chimneys and Textile Facades in Sustainable Residential Design

Solar Chimneys and Textile Facades in Sustainable Residential Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing solar chimneys and textile facades, the design achieves effective passive cooling and sustainable living in a context-sensitive residential structure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes solar chimneys for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates textile facades for thermal regulation.
03
Features a central green corridor connecting living spaces.
04
Employs prefabricated construction techniques for efficiency.
05
Integrates local materials to reflect regional identity.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, Solaris presents a contemporary architectural response that addresses both environmental and cultural contexts of the region. Emphasizing efficiency through prefabricated construction, the design aligns with sustainability goals while incorporating traditional design elements relevant to local architectural heritage. The project aims to integrate itself within the urban landscape, addressing community needs while responding effectively to the challenging climatic conditions.

### Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The spatial organization of Solaris prioritizes connectivity between indoor and outdoor realms, facilitated by expansive glass windows and sliding doors. The ground floor features an open-plan layout, seamlessly connecting living spaces with a central green corridor, which serves as a passage to outdoor areas. On the first floor, private spaces are arranged around a shared atrium, fostering a balance between intimacy and community while ensuring ample natural light and ventilation throughout the dwelling.

### Material Selection and Environmental Performance

The materiality of Solaris plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and functional performance. Locally sourced materials, including clay bricks, concrete, and fine clay plaster, are utilized to reflect and adapt to the region's climate, while also linking to historical building practices. The inclusion of aluminum and structural steel components supports the prefabricated framework, promoting a lighter structural system. Notably, the design employs textile facades that enhance thermal comfort while contributing to the overall visual appeal. Environmental strategies incorporate thermal mass principles and integrated solar chimneys, optimizing passive cooling and ventilation in response to the intense heat of the Emirates climate. Outdoor shaded corridors further enhance comfort, minimizing direct sunlight exposure.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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 York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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