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-Powered Community Spaces with Marsh Filter Systems Along the Seine

Author:
Marcel Hecker
Solar-Powered Community Spaces with Marsh Filter Systems Along the Seine

Project in-detail

With integrated solar panels and innovative marsh filter systems, the project enhances the Seine's waterfront while providing essential social housing that prioritizes sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated solar panels provide zero-emission energy for the entire complex.
02
A specialized marsh filter system purifies greywater and enhances local water quality.
03
Public spaces are designed to foster community interaction and engagement.
04
Barrier-free living units ensure accessibility for all residents.
05
The project contributes to revitalizing the Seine's waterfront as a public amenity.

The project in Paris addresses the challenges of urban density while focusing on sustainability and accessibility. Located along the shore of the Seine, it aims to offer a solution for social housing that integrates into the city and enhances public space. This setting is important, as it turns the site into not just a residential area but also a lively gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

Sustainable Energy Solutions

Solar panels play a crucial role in the design, serving as a primary source for energy. This choice supports a goal of achieving low to zero emissions for the building. By incorporating renewable energy, the plan aims to lessen the environmental impact and promote responsible energy use. This approach reflects a growing commitment to sustainability in urban living.

Water Management Strategies

Water management is another significant component of the design. A rainwater tank will provide a vital supply for urban farming as well as the residential units. This method addresses water needs while conserving resources. Furthermore, greywater will flow into a marsh plant filter, which helps maintain local water quality and contributes to the ongoing cleaning of the Seine River and canal.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The design emphasizes accessibility, with barrier-free living as a key feature. All residential units are created to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. The layout is organized to facilitate both privacy and opportunities for interaction among residents. This focus on inclusivity enhances the quality of life for all those who live there.

Community Engagement

Public spaces are carefully designed to promote community interaction. These areas serve as places for residents to gather, fostering relationships and enhancing a sense of belonging. By improving the shoreline along the Seine, the design underscores the importance of shared spaces in urban life.

At the heart of the project, the spatial design includes a thoughtful blend of private and communal areas, supported by landscaping that connects the built environment with nature.

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