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Sustainable Living Through Cornstarch Bioplastics and Modular Design in Eco-Friendly Housing

Sustainable Living Through Cornstarch Bioplastics and Modular Design in Eco-Friendly Housing
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Constructed with cornstarch bioplastics and cross-laminated timber, this residence emphasizes modular adaptability and ecological integration, designed to foster self-sufficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cornstarch bioplastics for sustainable construction elements.
02
Incorporates modular wall systems for flexible living arrangements.
03
Features a garden lab designed for community engagement and food production.
04
Employs low-E glass to optimize natural light while reducing energy use.
05
Adapts to seasonal climate changes through strategic orientation and window placement.

### Overview
BioCrescent House is located within a context that prioritizes sustainable architectural practices, designed by architects Carolina González Aranda and Mahelet Ortega Reyes. The project underscores a commitment to ecological responsibility, adaptive living, and a cohesive relationship with the surrounding environment. By integrating innovative design principles, the house serves as a model for homes that engage harmoniously with their ecosystem and can adapt to the evolving needs of occupants.

### Adaptive Living and Habitat Integration
The design of BioCrescent House embraces a modular and flexible approach, allowing inhabitants to adjust their living space in response to changing requirements. The structure is characterized by expandable sections, supported by a movable module system that facilitates mobility. Natural light and ventilation are key considerations, achieved through strategically placed windows that enhance indoor air quality and minimize energy consumption.

In addition, the house includes a “garden lab” that extends from the open-plan dining area, promoting activities such as gardening and culinary exploration. This feature not only enables residents to cultivate their own food, contributing to food sovereignty, but also fosters community engagement and a deepened connection to nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material choices for BioCrescent House reflect a commitment to sustainable practices. Key components include corn starch bioplastics for the canopy, which adapt to environmental changes, low-E glass that optimizes natural light while reducing energy use, and responsibly sourced wood for structural integrity. By employing biodegradable and renewable materials, the design aims to minimize ecological impact during construction and throughout the building's lifecycle.

The innovative construction techniques further enhance the home's sustainability. Features such as expandable wall systems allow for spatial flexibility, while robust thermal and acoustic insulation ensure a comfortable interior climate. Collectively, these elements support a model of self-sufficiency and responsible energy management that aligns with contemporary sustainable living practices.

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Enter an open architecture
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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