Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Subterranean Chapel Under A Canopy Of Timber And Natural Stone For Community Living

Authors:
Ahmet sefa Öztürk, Muzaffer korcan Özbek, Samed Doğan, Deniz Cavlak
Subterranean Chapel Under A Canopy Of Timber And Natural Stone For Community Living

Project in-detail

An underground chapel seamlessly integrated with a central courtyard utilizes natural stone and timber to create a communal living space designed for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
An underground chapel designed for contemplation offers a tranquil retreat beneath the main communal area.
02
The central courtyard serves as a versatile space for social gatherings and various activities.
03
Natural stone and timber materials emphasize sustainability and blend the structure with its environment.
04
Accessibility is prioritized through thoughtful circulation, including ramps and wide pathways.
05
A community garden fosters resident engagement and promotes mental well-being through gardening activities.
The AGORA project, designed by Lar De Idosos, is an architectural endeavor focused on creating an inclusive and functional space for elderly residents. Situated within a rural context, the design emphasizes community interaction, individual privacy, and a connection to the surrounding environment. The primary function of AGORA is to serve as a multifunctional living facility that balances social engagement with personal comfort.

An essential feature of this project is the central courtyard, which acts as a communal gathering area. This design choice not only encourages social interaction among residents but also facilitates various activities and events. The architectural layout organizes spaces into a hierarchy, transitioning from public areas, such as the courtyard, to more private zones, including individual living units. This arrangement allows for both community connection and personal retreat, catering to the diverse needs of the residents.

The architectural materiality of AGORA consists primarily of wood, natural stone, glass, concrete, and steel. These materials are selected for their durability and sustainability, creating an environmentally responsible building. Wood adds warmth and a tactile quality, while natural stone contributes to the structural integrity and aesthetic grounding of the project. Glass elements enhance transparency and light penetration, fostering an inviting atmosphere. The use of concrete for foundational and structural components ensures the building's stability, while steel supports an open layout, allowing for fluid circulation throughout the facility.

One of the unique aspects of AGORA is its innovative integration of an underground chapel, which connects directly to the central square. This feature creates a space for contemplation away from the communal activities while maintaining accessibility. Additionally, the incorporation of water features within the site design serves not only as a visual element but also enhances acoustic comfort, providing a soothing environment.

Another notable design approach is the inclusion of a community garden, which encourages residents to engage in gardening activities. This fosters social interaction and contributes to the overall well-being of the inhabitants. The project also prioritizes accessibility, with ramps and pathways designed to accommodate individuals with varying mobility needs, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity.

The AGORA project exemplifies a well-thought-out design that merges architectural functionality with the needs of a community. To explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs of AGORA further, readers are encouraged to review the full project presentation for comprehensive insights into its innovative architectural ideas.
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 16,979 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