Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Straw Panel Construction in a Contemporary Maramures Eco House

Authors:
Evelina Ghise, Maria Ispas
Straw Panel Construction in a Contemporary Maramures Eco House

Project in-detail

Constructed with prefabricated straw panels, this eco house integrates traditional Maramures influences with modern energy-efficient features to provide a comfortable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Architectural inspiration draws from traditional Maramures homes.
02
Prefabricated straw panels enhance structural safety and efficiency.
03
Straw bales serve as an innovative thermal insulation method.
04
The design focuses on optimizing indoor air quality throughout the year.
05
Local materials reinforce community connection and environmental sustainability.

The eco house project showcases a strong emphasis on sustainable living through its well-thought-out design and practical layout. Positioned in an area that reflects a blend of traditional influences, the structure includes essential living spaces like a porch, kitchen, dining room, living room, office, and a bedroom placed at a higher level. The design concept merges elements of classic architecture with modern sustainable practices, advocating for an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Materials and Sustainability

Prefabricated straw panels are a main feature of the house. These panels have a high compression rate that reduces oxygen inside, helping to prevent fire risks. This property enhances the safety of the building. Wood forms the primary structure, supporting the sustainable focus since it is a carbon-negative material that lowers the environmental impact of the home.

Functional Design Elements

The layout is carefully organized to ensure a good flow between various living areas while protecting privacy in more personal spaces. The indoor environment prioritizes air quality, which adds to comfort throughout different seasons. Using straw bales for insulation is an innovative choice, moving away from conventional methods to improve energy efficiency.

Aesthetic and Cultural Influences

The architectural style draws from the local architecture of Maramures. This connection creates a visual identity that fits well with the surroundings, giving the house a unique character. Employing local materials further reinforces the relationship with the area, adding an authentic touch.

The design features a clear relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large openings help with ventilation and light, improving the overall living environment. Thoughtful details and smooth connections between rooms create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring both functionality and visual appeal.

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