Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Spherical Design Employing Polycarbonate Panels and Natural Timber for Multifunctional Coastal Living

Authors:
Giulia Savi, Domenico Pullino, Davide Negro
Spherical Design Employing Polycarbonate Panels and Natural Timber for Multifunctional Coastal Living

Project in-detail

The use of a spherical structure crafted from polycarbonate panels and natural timber creates a seamless integration with the coastal landscape, promoting multifunctional living spaces that enhance community interaction and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a spherical form to enhance structural stability and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates flexible solar panels to support renewable energy needs.
03
Features panoramic glass panels for immersive natural light and views.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic and fire-resistant properties.
05
Designed with multifunctional spaces to encourage community interaction.

### Project Overview

The "Sun Urchin," designed by Pablo Neruda, is situated in a coastal location that aims to harmonize small living spaces with advanced environmental adaptation techniques. This design prioritizes sustainability and integrates functionality across various activities, including work, leisure, and community engagement. The form and materials selected reflect a commitment to natural living, striving to promote interaction with the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The Sun Urchin features a dome-like structure resembling a sea urchin, which optimizes energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Its spherical design maximizes light capture, while 360-degree panoramic views enhance the sense of openness, fostering a communal living atmosphere. The layout encompasses distinct zones designated for living, working, and dining, each designed to facilitate interaction while ensuring comfort. Expansive glass panels blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to experience their environment fully.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A careful selection of eco-friendly materials characterizes the Sun Urchin, reinforcing its sustainable operations. Extensive use of wood in interior finishes provides warmth and visual interest, while concrete offers durability and thermal mass for passive temperature regulation. Essential practical features, such as ceramic tiles in wet areas and polycarbonate for natural light infiltration, are incorporated to enhance functionality and maintenance. Skylights and flexible solar panels emphasize the project's commitment to harnessing natural resources and energy efficiency, contributing to its overall sustainability objectives.

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