Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Stepped Courtyards Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wood Shingles for Community Living

Author:
Ali Andaji garmaroodi
Stepped Courtyards Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wood Shingles for Community Living

Project in-detail

Stepped courtyards crafted with cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles create a unique residential community that seamlessly integrates nature with urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stepped courtyards enhance accessibility and community interaction among residents.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support while promoting sustainable building practices.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer improved durability and a distinctive aesthetic charm.
04
The design incorporates flexible housing units adaptable to various family sizes and needs.
05
Natural landscaping integrates existing green spaces, fostering biodiversity within the urban environment.
The architectural design project "Housing Among Stepped Courtyard" represents a thoughtful response to the complexities of urban living. Situated in Berlin, this project emerges as a model of community-oriented residential design that harmonizes with its environmental context while addressing the diverse needs of its inhabitants. It serves not only as a place to live but also as a catalyst for social interaction and environmental sustainability within an urban setting.

The fundamental function of this project is to provide a varied offering of housing types that cater to different family structures and lifestyles. By creating adaptable living spaces, the design supports a wide range of residents, from singles to families, thus fostering a sense of inclusion within the community. The modular approach allows for flexibility in the housing units, where residents can customize their living arrangements according to personal needs, enhancing their overall quality of life.

One of the most significant aspects of this project is its clever spatial organization, which prominently features stepped courtyards. These courtyards serve as central communal spaces that facilitate interaction among residents while encouraging outdoor activities. The design emphasizes accessibility, with pathways that weave through the courtyards, creating inviting connections and promoting a sense of belonging. This arrangement not only enhances social engagement but also contributes to the overall aesthetic quality of the site, integrating lush landscaping and green elements that beautify the environment.

A key element of the "Housing Among Stepped Courtyard" design is its commitment to sustainability. The architects have focused on preserving existing green spaces and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring that nature remains an integral part of urban life. This commitment is reflected in the selection of materials, such as wood, which is used for structural elements and facades, offering both environmental benefits and aesthetic warmth. The integration of glazing throughout the building allows for ample natural light, creating bright, welcoming interiors that connect residents to their surroundings. The structural use of concrete ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight overall design that respects the site’s ecological characteristics.

Distinctive in its approach to urban density, the project challenges the traditional notion of isolated apartment living. Instead, it prioritizes communal living, encouraging meaningful interactions through thoughtfully designed communal spaces. The architectural design promotes outdoor gatherings, social activities, and communal gardening, effectively creating a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. This focus on community engagement aligns with modern architectural ideas that seek to foster connections in densely populated areas, transforming the way residents interact with their environment and each other.

Moreover, the project considers the future needs of the community. The adaptable architecture allows for future expansions and modifications, ensuring that the housing remains relevant as social dynamics evolve. This foresight in design is an essential component of contemporary architecture, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking in residential developments.

This exploration of the "Housing Among Stepped Courtyard" showcases not only its unique design approaches but also its potential to act as a blueprint for future urban housing projects. By combining adaptability, sustainability, and a focus on community, this project exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can address urban challenges while enhancing the quality of life for residents. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and designs to appreciate the nuances of this innovative residential project and understand its potential impact on urban living.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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