Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Sustainable Community Housing Emphasizing Floating Roofs and Integrated Green Spaces

Authors:
Florencia Gutierrez, James Herrmann
Sustainable Community Housing Emphasizing Floating Roofs and Integrated Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating floating roofs and modular courtyard arrangements, this residential design creates a cohesive community environment for relocated farmers while emphasizing sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates floating roof designs to enhance natural ventilation and light entry.
02
Utilizes modular construction for flexible residential configurations based on family needs.
03
Features integrated rooftop gardens that promote biodiversity and community gardening.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
05
Includes dedicated communal spaces for social events and local markets, fostering community interaction.

The architectural project under review focuses on urban housing solutions designed to accommodate the needs of relocated farmers in China as a result of rapid urbanization. This initiative seeks to create a living environment that supports community integration, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices. The designs prioritize functionality while addressing the complexities associated with urban expansion.

The overall project consists of meticulously planned residential units arranged in communal settings. These structures feature modular configurations that allow for adaptability to changing family dynamics. The design incorporates both private and communal spaces to enhance social interactions among residents. By emphasizing open green areas and dedicated facilities, the project fosters a sense of community and belonging while facilitating environmental engagement.

Unique Design Approaches

A notable aspect of this project is its use of traditional Chinese architectural elements reinterpreted for contemporary settings. Floating roofs and privacy screens take inspiration from historic designs, merging them with modern construction techniques to fulfill current urban demands. The layout promotes walkability, minimizing vehicular traffic while maximizing pedestrian accessibility.

Another defining feature is the integration of landscape into the architecture. Each residence is designed with access to personal garden spaces and shared public green areas. This strategy not only enhances the aesthetics of the living environment but also contributes to biodiversity and urban ecology. The use of renewable materials and construction methods further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability.

Community-Centric Functionality

The project enhances community-centric functionality through a careful arrangement of public spaces and activities. Each cluster of homes is adjacent to communal facilities such as marketplaces and recreational areas, which are designed to encourage social gatherings and communal activities. The architecture supports a lifestyle that values interaction and cooperation, thereby revitalizing social ties and communal identity.

This array of features illustrates a thoughtful response to the challenges posed by urbanization, blending innovative design with respect for cultural heritage. For a more in-depth understanding of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design innovations, explore the detailed project presentation that reveals the full scope of these architectural ideas.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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
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