Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Sustainable Community Hub Featuring Organic Shapes and Local Stone Integration

Authors:
Mustapha Yahyaoui, Wiam Tabaitas, Meryem Abkari
Sustainable Community Hub Featuring Organic Shapes and Local Stone Integration

Project in-detail

Blending a spiral form with locally sourced stone and earthen materials, the design creates a community hub that fosters social interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a spiral layout that enhances natural movement through the space.
02
Locally sourced stone is used for thermal mass, improving energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
Earthen materials are integrated into walls, promoting a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
04
Cork flooring is selected for its acoustic properties and comfort, enhancing the indoor experience.
05
Large zenithal openings allow abundant natural light while minimizing energy consumption.
The Spirala Community Home project encapsulates a thoughtful approach to architecture, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement through its innovative design. This project represents a vision of living harmoniously with nature while fostering social connections among residents. The spiral form is not just an aesthetic choice; it carries deeper meanings related to life cycles, growth, and continuity, which resonate throughout the architectural language of the structure.

Functionally, the Spirala Community Home serves as a multifaceted living space that brings together various community activities, creating an inclusive environment for residents of all ages. The layout encourages social interaction, with communal areas designed for gatherings, workshops, and cultural events. This versatility ensures that the space meets the diverse needs of the community, allowing for dynamic uses that evolve over time.

Important design elements of the project include its carefully selected materials and spatial organization. The use of local stone integrates the building with its surroundings, providing a sense of place and identity. The thermal mass of the stone enhances energy efficiency by stabilizing indoor temperatures, ultimately reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. Earthen materials, employed in walls and flooring, further echo the commitment to sustainability, offering durability while promoting a strong connection to the earth.

Cork flooring is another notable feature, which enhances acoustic comfort and ensures a warm ambiance within the community spaces. The roof structure utilizes glue laminated beams, allowing for expansive open spaces that invite natural light and foster a welcoming atmosphere. The design skillfully incorporates large windows and accordion doors, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments, thus promoting an interaction with nature while contributing to the overall well-being of the inhabitants.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The spiral form not only creates a visually appealing footprint but also guides movement throughout the space in a manner that reflects life's natural flow. This layout fosters exploration and discovery, encouraging residents to navigate the spaces in a manner that feels organic rather than forced. Additionally, the thoughtful engagement with the terrain minimizes disruption to the existing landscape, maintaining ecological integrity and enhancing the overall site’s character.

The design guarantees accessibility through gentle ramps and gradual elevation changes, ensuring that all community members, including those with mobility challenges, can enjoy the entirety of the space. Furthermore, the integration of passive design strategies—such as optimal orientation and window placements—maximizes natural lighting and ventilation, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

The Spirala Community Home stands as a representative model for future architectural endeavors that value communal living and environmental stewardship. It reflects an understanding that architecture should serve and enhance the lives of its inhabitants while preserving the beauty of the natural world. For those interested in exploring this project further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will offer additional insights into its thoughtful execution and design philosophy. This examination can reveal how architecture can foster community and support a sustainable lifestyle, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the existing and future projects in the realm of community-focused architecture.
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