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 Greenhouse Crafted With ETFE and Aluminum for Sustainable Community Engagement

Author:
Yuta Sugasawa
Stepped Greenhouse Crafted With ETFE and Aluminum for Sustainable Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A stepped greenhouse constructed with ETFE and aluminum integrates hydroponic farming and a versatile community hub, fostering local engagement while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a flexible interior layout that easily adapts to various community needs and events.
02
The greenhouse's hydroponic system incorporates transparent acrylic trays, allowing for real-time monitoring of plant growth.
03
A stepped structure aligns with the natural topography, minimizing visual impact and promoting accessibility.
04
The use of ETFE in the building envelope enhances thermal efficiency while maximizing light entry.
05
Water gardens are integrated into the landscape to support local biodiversity and create serene outdoor spaces.
The architectural project under review presents a thoughtful approach to design that harmonizes with its natural environment while prioritizing sustainability and community engagement. This facility serves multiple functions, primarily as a greenhouse and a multipurpose space, aimed at fostering social interactions and promoting local agriculture through innovative hydroponic methods.

At its core, the project embodies a commitment to ecological responsibility. The stepped design of the greenhouse is both functional and visually appealing, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the terrain’s contours. This approach minimizes visual disruption while maximizing land use, reflecting a conscientious effort to maintain the integrity of the landscape. The building’s elevation changes facilitate easy movement between spaces, promoting accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities. The design emphasizes a connection to nature, encouraging interaction between the community and the surrounding environment.

The materials chosen for the project further enhance its sustainable ethos. The use of aluminum plates for the exterior contributes to a lightweight, weather-resistant structure, while ETFE is selected for the roof and walls, allowing for versatility in light transmission and thermal efficiency. Concrete, reinforced with steel, provides a robust foundation, ensuring the building can withstand environmental challenges. Wood elements are carefully incorporated throughout, lending warmth to the interiors and softening the overall aesthetic. Additionally, acrylic trays for the hydroponic systems demonstrate a transparent approach to cultivating greenery, allowing users to engage visually and practically with the growing process.

The multipurpose space is designed to accommodate a variety of activities, serving as a community hub that can transition from a classroom to a gathering place for events and workshops. The open floor plan invites flexibility, enabling different configurations based on user needs and fostering a sense of community ownership. Large windows and strategically placed openings facilitate natural light and ventilation, working in harmony with the building’s overall energy-efficient design.

Unique to this project are the landscaped water gardens that accompany the primary structures. These features are intended not only for aesthetic enjoyment but also to enhance biodiversity within the site, attract pollinators, and create tranquil settings for users. The decision to incorporate water elements reflects a broader understanding of sustainable landscaping, addressing ecological health alongside architectural considerations.

Overall, this architecture project represents a forward-thinking vision that balances functionality and beauty through its innovative design approaches. The harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature sets a precedent for future developments, inspiring a new standard in sustainable practices within the field of architecture. Those interested in learning more about the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project are encouraged to explore the full presentation, as it provides deeper insights into the architectural ideas and methods that informed this unique endeavor.
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